Sunday, November 24, 2013
Sunday, October 27, 2013
October, 2013
October 3, 2013
Grooming day today. Loving it.
October 5, 2013
Feeling yuckie because of a virus, so not much energy and doing simply things, asking for some improvement.
- circling game - trot and canter changes of direction. Canter in both directions - sooo much better to the right!
- yoyo - body energy as phase 1 (it's working!)
- sideways toward - using arm as phase 1 (took a loot of repetition, but starting to develop).
October 6, 2013
Supposed to be hubby's day, but now he is sick.
HQ yields 360 degrees, phase 1 and 1.5
FQ yields 360 degrees, phase 1 and 1.5 (going to the right FELT her being with me rather than leaving me!!!!!)
Touch log (touching easy, wanting her to leave foot on log not so easy)
Coming over log, stopping - Not able to stop.
Travelling circles at trot and canter - very good
Change of direction at canter - getting started!
October 12, 2013
Back to see Z after spending time dealing with critters-at-home crises, as well as still feeling debilitated by a virus. Lots of loving, poop cleaning, watching her eat grass. Then some stick to me at trot and canter on 12' line. Zaina seems to really be enjoying this, much more than cantering on her own! If I had any energy I'd be enjoying it too.
So nice to come out after a number of days knowing that she'd be happy and well looked after. I can concentrate on further both of our learning and development rather than dealing with backsliding because of ill health and "issues".
October 13, 2013
Online 22' Line: Travelling circles at trot. Canter (beautiful, very good both directions, change of direction at trot - not rushing past me anymore. Sideways from distant in zone 1, then backing - maintain distance as I move toward her - SUPER (works moving toward grass!).
Freestyle: Look ma, no hands - working on myself walk and trot. Zaina being super.
Liberty - in the outdoor ring. Stick to me, walk and trot - only lost her once. Sideways, and toward me.
What a gal!
October 15, 2013
Trot and Canter online for warm up.
Freestyle - developing turns on FQ without reins. When she gave one big effort without the reins I jumped off.
ctober 17, 2013
Warm up - HQ and FQ yields, etc. Trotting circles - Muscles in back really starting to work. Looks different.
Freestyle - nervous horse, inside ride which we haven't had for quite some time. Lots of disengaging which helped. Working on no reins. After a halt and asking her to walk on she started turning in small purposes with her back coming up. I thought something was wrong. Jumped off. Then realized she was doing FQ turns without me using the reins. Got me off! Good Girl!!!!
October 19, 2013
R's day for play. FQ and HQ PPG - excellent.
Circling walk and trot - terrific
Figure 8 walk and trot - terrific
Point to Point - driving. Needs development. R not being clear on driving versus halting aids.
My turn - friendly and squeeze game with hula hoop. Touching her all over - no more fear.
Pushing it underneath her - no response.
Rolling it in front of her - too boring.
Stepping into it with front legs. Stepping through it with 1 hind leg. Not able to back out of it.
Oct. 22, 2013
October 27, 2013
R's day today, but I got first dibs and played at liberty. Super draw, super sideways. Inviting over obstacle but she couldn't do it. No matter. Lots of trust and try. When R was finished I did FG with bag. Worried - I walked backwards, rubbed her when she couldn't come forward. Lots of confidence building. When she sniffed the bag on the ground I quit.
R's play session was magnificent. Zaina being super responsive and connected.
FQ and HQ yields (pp and driving) 360 degrees, phase 1.
R learning sideways game - Zaina being attentive, but a little worried. Still, terrific (driving) both directions along wall.
Z very worried about squeeze game in first area tried it. Changed to other side of arena and R just had her squeeze between him and the wall. Much more confident, but crowding a bit.
Friendly game - combining with lots of rubs and PP (thanks Kari Bowser) to develop confidence not just tolerance.
Circling - walk and trot, 6 laps each absolutely FANTASTIC. Zaina flexing toward R for the most part and maintaining her responsibilities. R's phases, timing and technical skills excellent.
What a fantastic session. The relationship is a 3-some now, and it is a terrific feeling.
Grooming day today. Loving it.
October 5, 2013
Feeling yuckie because of a virus, so not much energy and doing simply things, asking for some improvement.
- circling game - trot and canter changes of direction. Canter in both directions - sooo much better to the right!
- yoyo - body energy as phase 1 (it's working!)
- sideways toward - using arm as phase 1 (took a loot of repetition, but starting to develop).
October 6, 2013
Supposed to be hubby's day, but now he is sick.
HQ yields 360 degrees, phase 1 and 1.5
FQ yields 360 degrees, phase 1 and 1.5 (going to the right FELT her being with me rather than leaving me!!!!!)
Touch log (touching easy, wanting her to leave foot on log not so easy)
Coming over log, stopping - Not able to stop.
Travelling circles at trot and canter - very good
Change of direction at canter - getting started!
October 12, 2013
Back to see Z after spending time dealing with critters-at-home crises, as well as still feeling debilitated by a virus. Lots of loving, poop cleaning, watching her eat grass. Then some stick to me at trot and canter on 12' line. Zaina seems to really be enjoying this, much more than cantering on her own! If I had any energy I'd be enjoying it too.
So nice to come out after a number of days knowing that she'd be happy and well looked after. I can concentrate on further both of our learning and development rather than dealing with backsliding because of ill health and "issues".
October 13, 2013
Online 22' Line: Travelling circles at trot. Canter (beautiful, very good both directions, change of direction at trot - not rushing past me anymore. Sideways from distant in zone 1, then backing - maintain distance as I move toward her - SUPER (works moving toward grass!).
Freestyle: Look ma, no hands - working on myself walk and trot. Zaina being super.
Liberty - in the outdoor ring. Stick to me, walk and trot - only lost her once. Sideways, and toward me.
What a gal!
October 15, 2013
Trot and Canter online for warm up.
Freestyle - developing turns on FQ without reins. When she gave one big effort without the reins I jumped off.
ctober 17, 2013
Warm up - HQ and FQ yields, etc. Trotting circles - Muscles in back really starting to work. Looks different.
Freestyle - nervous horse, inside ride which we haven't had for quite some time. Lots of disengaging which helped. Working on no reins. After a halt and asking her to walk on she started turning in small purposes with her back coming up. I thought something was wrong. Jumped off. Then realized she was doing FQ turns without me using the reins. Got me off! Good Girl!!!!
October 19, 2013
R's day for play. FQ and HQ PPG - excellent.
Circling walk and trot - terrific
Figure 8 walk and trot - terrific
Point to Point - driving. Needs development. R not being clear on driving versus halting aids.
My turn - friendly and squeeze game with hula hoop. Touching her all over - no more fear.
Pushing it underneath her - no response.
Rolling it in front of her - too boring.
Stepping into it with front legs. Stepping through it with 1 hind leg. Not able to back out of it.
Oct. 22, 2013
October 27, 2013
R's day today, but I got first dibs and played at liberty. Super draw, super sideways. Inviting over obstacle but she couldn't do it. No matter. Lots of trust and try. When R was finished I did FG with bag. Worried - I walked backwards, rubbed her when she couldn't come forward. Lots of confidence building. When she sniffed the bag on the ground I quit.
R's play session was magnificent. Zaina being super responsive and connected.
FQ and HQ yields (pp and driving) 360 degrees, phase 1.
R learning sideways game - Zaina being attentive, but a little worried. Still, terrific (driving) both directions along wall.
Z very worried about squeeze game in first area tried it. Changed to other side of arena and R just had her squeeze between him and the wall. Much more confident, but crowding a bit.
Friendly game - combining with lots of rubs and PP (thanks Kari Bowser) to develop confidence not just tolerance.
Circling - walk and trot, 6 laps each absolutely FANTASTIC. Zaina flexing toward R for the most part and maintaining her responsibilities. R's phases, timing and technical skills excellent.
What a fantastic session. The relationship is a 3-some now, and it is a terrific feeling.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
September, 2013
HIGHLIGHTS
Sept. 12 - STRAIGHTNESS! Rounding up at trot as result!
Sept. 20 - liberty over scary jump!!!!! AND online stick to me at canter!!!!
Sept. 1, 2013
Hubby's play day.
Started with helping Zaina "stand still" before moving from one stall to another.
Friendly game - added swinging string around bottom legs. Zaina not too keen, so Hubby learning that her confidence depends on his confidence.
Circling game - walk - changing directions from her initiative, then she thought "okay, I'll just go THIS way" as she learns he is a leader.
HQ & FQ driving. Very good
HQ yield - PP game: Zaina over-reactive, so changed it to a friendly game only, so hubby learning how to solve this type of problem, and how little excess energy it can take to send her away.
Stick to me: walk and trot, very good. Outside, so Z wanting to trot BIG but still trying to stay with hubby.
After Hubby's play, asking Z to touch a barrel on its side, with her foot. She gave it a big push with her nose instead! But I didn't give her a treat for this, told her she was wonderful but asked for more. Accepted her need to move from side to side, but persisted with the task. When she gave a big try by lifting her knee toward the barrel close range I quit.
Sept. 2, 2013
Plan: Improve what we know and add 1 new task.
Improving OnLine:
Backing toward objects/obstacles.
Backing using PP game on chest.
Walk over low obstacle - toward me, and halt.
Circle to left - W, T and C. Asking for flexion on Trot,
New Task
Driving online (zone 3, featherline): for first time with line coming over her left shoulder to her right side. Yippee, when I switched to her right side she did NOT turn to face me. Same, when I switched back.
Sept. 3, 2013
Liberty: Started with liberty inside. Figure 8 at walk, very nice.
Online: warm up
Finesse: Soft touch and developing bend. Online
Sept. 5, 2013
Online:
Warmup - developing bend and flexion at trot under saddle
Driving Point to Point full length of 20' line!
Sideways - keep my feet still.
Finesse
Soft feel, developing bend. When she relaxed I got off.
Liberty
Figure 8 walk and TROT. Super connection and responsiveness.
Sept. 7, 2013
Hubby's time with Zaina. Much more confidence, doing more on his own. Understanding the principles.
Sept. 8, 2013
Ada's day with Z. 1 1/2 hours of play!
Sept. 10, 2013
Liberty
Online:
Finesse:
Developing bend and flexion. Coming along. Have to stay relaxed in my body, focused, lots of weight aids.
Sept. 12, 2013
Online:
Warm up - long range point to point, sideways, circling - sooo much more relaxed at the trot - level headed for the most part, this will be so good for her back.
Finesse
Developing bend GOT STRAIGHTNESS. Got it in my brain, and in my body and Z got it she rounded up!!!!! Realizing that all these years I've been learning "bring her head around" rather than ride her body straight. Had some work to do to keep my legs where they were supposed to be, mixing up which was forward, and which controlled the hind end, but it eventually got sorted up. After a few steps of round trot I GOT OFF to reward big time.
Liberty
After Z finished her roll and strolling around I asked for some liberty and got major connection at stick to me. Much more connected at the trot, even going toward the door, she worked to slow herself to stay with me. I worked with her, accepting her offer to trot, which surprised her (because she was actually wanting to leave) and caused her to be very responsive.
Also nice, PP few tail hairs, six steps, straight.
Sideways, driving.
Sept. 12, 2013 R's day.
Online
Started sessions with Extreme friendly game - Robert opening and closing the garage door entry to the arena. Lots of action! Helped her with sideways down wall fast, change of directions (fast), etc. After ten minutes, head down and lots of snorts and licking/chewing.
Robert's play day. Great progress. I warmed Z up with PP HQ yields as she's been getting sloppy. This helped him a lot to learn the feel and responsiveness.
Then Robert with Z:
My time with Z Liberty
Sept. 17, 2013
Intended to ride today, but a cool windy fall day had Zaina in jittery mode, so I got smart and changed the plan.
Online
Point to point full length of feather line, including asking her to back, fq yield, and turn.
Circling - trot flexion and bend developing beautifully, holding the flexion into canter to the left. Sooo smooth.
Friendly - extreme. Circling to the right she got worried about the sunlight on the ground, so used that to develop confidence.
Online Driving - two featherlines, using point to point as our focus, including loops for turning, zone 3. Sublime. Getting it, in terms of using my body first rather than the lines.
Liberty
Stick to me, walk and trot - so much more connection and responsiveness, getting in-gait transitions at the trot much better, no running away!
Circling/Figure 8 at trot, mixing up the patterns. She waited for me to ask her to disengage before finishing. Really really really really nice.
Sept. 19, 2013
Online Warm up. Point to Point 20 feet; circling with flexion - worried today as we were outside and the autumn changes seem to have her concerned about the environment; Sideways around barrel; touch the barrel.
Freestyle
Z very worried when I started riding. Got off, bit more online at trot, and she settled.
Figure 8 at walk SUPERB! At trot, losing the pattern on second loop to the left.
Finesse
Found PIng Ping - my body is now riding! Found impulsion, got straightness, got the figure 8 and circles. Beautiful.
Sept. 20, 2013
Prep day for tomorrow's tetanus vaccine. Red light and panaway massage.
Liberty in her paddock:
Lead by tail, few hairs. Super response.
Squeeze, very narrow over small log. "Are you sure?" "Okay"
FQ yield, driving. Stopping when released. Amazing.
THEN THIS: Invited Z to jump the scary jump. Having it be her decision. Two times she said, no thanks, and went around. Third time. she CHOOSE to do the big jump rather than the very small obstacle next to it. WOWOWOWOW. She was a little stressed afterward. Turned and faced but head up. Friendly CS worried her a bit, but then she relaxed. Load of carrots!
Online
Then for long grass munch. After that asked for a brief stick to me at trot online, in the outdoor ring. It went really well, so asked for stick to me at canter - it worked just like Linda and Pat show it, by doing a little gallop. She clearly understood what I wanted, and stayed with me. We haven't had this success before. I'm flying!
Sept. 12 - STRAIGHTNESS! Rounding up at trot as result!
Sept. 20 - liberty over scary jump!!!!! AND online stick to me at canter!!!!
Sept. 1, 2013
Hubby's play day.
Started with helping Zaina "stand still" before moving from one stall to another.
Friendly game - added swinging string around bottom legs. Zaina not too keen, so Hubby learning that her confidence depends on his confidence.
Circling game - walk - changing directions from her initiative, then she thought "okay, I'll just go THIS way" as she learns he is a leader.
HQ & FQ driving. Very good
HQ yield - PP game: Zaina over-reactive, so changed it to a friendly game only, so hubby learning how to solve this type of problem, and how little excess energy it can take to send her away.
Stick to me: walk and trot, very good. Outside, so Z wanting to trot BIG but still trying to stay with hubby.
After Hubby's play, asking Z to touch a barrel on its side, with her foot. She gave it a big push with her nose instead! But I didn't give her a treat for this, told her she was wonderful but asked for more. Accepted her need to move from side to side, but persisted with the task. When she gave a big try by lifting her knee toward the barrel close range I quit.
Sept. 2, 2013
Plan: Improve what we know and add 1 new task.
Improving OnLine:
Backing toward objects/obstacles.
Backing using PP game on chest.
Walk over low obstacle - toward me, and halt.
Circle to left - W, T and C. Asking for flexion on Trot,
New Task
Driving online (zone 3, featherline): for first time with line coming over her left shoulder to her right side. Yippee, when I switched to her right side she did NOT turn to face me. Same, when I switched back.
Sept. 3, 2013
Liberty: Started with liberty inside. Figure 8 at walk, very nice.
Online: warm up
Finesse: Soft touch and developing bend. Online
Sept. 5, 2013
Online:
Warmup - developing bend and flexion at trot under saddle
Driving Point to Point full length of 20' line!
Sideways - keep my feet still.
Finesse
Soft feel, developing bend. When she relaxed I got off.
Liberty
Figure 8 walk and TROT. Super connection and responsiveness.
Sept. 7, 2013
Hubby's time with Zaina. Much more confidence, doing more on his own. Understanding the principles.
- Circling MUCH better, more respect from Zaina.
- PP on chest and poll very good.
- PP hq yield better than last week, less running away from friendly game to start.
- Friendly game, string on hind legs MUCH improved.
- Continuing to develop HQ yield, driving.
- My turn - Touch it - foot to barrel. Developing.
Sept. 8, 2013
Ada's day with Z. 1 1/2 hours of play!
- Great stuff happening, with Z and Ada much more skilled and confidant.
- Stick to me circles and weave at trot (including in the driving rain).
- Travelling circles at trot (really good! Ada's first time with this task and long time since Z has been asked).
- Step into hoop (confident!)
- I then asked her to step out of it and halt which she did with hope in zone 3!!!!! Huge for Z.
- I asked Z to touch barrel with foot - SUPER! No evading, little bit of hesitation, then DONE!
Sept. 10, 2013
Liberty
- Started with Liberty in the outdoor ring, so big challenge for me given the grass motivation for Zaina.
- Stick to me, walk trot and backing with halting for grass along the way.
- FQ yield to the left, driving, Few steps at a time. This really helped to get respect and a connection.
Online:
- Developing everything with less rope (pretend at liberty) and greater distance.
- Point to Point
- Backing (further and further getting better and better, more confident = straighter)
- Circling and figure 8 patterns combined - INTERESTING. First time have done this. Better at the trot. Zaina intrigued rather than worried by it!
- Then bit of developing bend and flexion at trot.
Finesse:
Developing bend and flexion. Coming along. Have to stay relaxed in my body, focused, lots of weight aids.
Sept. 12, 2013
Online:
Warm up - long range point to point, sideways, circling - sooo much more relaxed at the trot - level headed for the most part, this will be so good for her back.
Finesse
Developing bend GOT STRAIGHTNESS. Got it in my brain, and in my body and Z got it she rounded up!!!!! Realizing that all these years I've been learning "bring her head around" rather than ride her body straight. Had some work to do to keep my legs where they were supposed to be, mixing up which was forward, and which controlled the hind end, but it eventually got sorted up. After a few steps of round trot I GOT OFF to reward big time.
Liberty
After Z finished her roll and strolling around I asked for some liberty and got major connection at stick to me. Much more connected at the trot, even going toward the door, she worked to slow herself to stay with me. I worked with her, accepting her offer to trot, which surprised her (because she was actually wanting to leave) and caused her to be very responsive.
Also nice, PP few tail hairs, six steps, straight.
Sideways, driving.
Sept. 12, 2013 R's day.
Online
Started sessions with Extreme friendly game - Robert opening and closing the garage door entry to the arena. Lots of action! Helped her with sideways down wall fast, change of directions (fast), etc. After ten minutes, head down and lots of snorts and licking/chewing.
Robert's play day. Great progress. I warmed Z up with PP HQ yields as she's been getting sloppy. This helped him a lot to learn the feel and responsiveness.
Then Robert with Z:
- Touch it (nose) - first time with this pattern. Z very responsive.
- Backing from between barrels, with markers at stopping place, to move her focus away from backing (which is scary) to getting to the markers - using finger wiggle and CS/String if necessary rather than higher wiggling phases (pretend you don't have a rope).
- Circling - GREAT walk, connected and responsive - no more evasions. Went so well, progressed to trot. Excellent. Very good tool handling.
- Since THAT went so well, Figure 8 - first time. Broke it down into loops, then Robert was able to ask her for two full rotations. Quit at that as she was sooo good.
My time with Z Liberty
- 7 steps back, lead by tail, few hairs. Straight.
- Figure 8, walk and trot. Exceptional
- Circle mixed with figure 8 - first time at liberty: amazing!!!!!
Sept. 17, 2013
Intended to ride today, but a cool windy fall day had Zaina in jittery mode, so I got smart and changed the plan.
Online
Point to point full length of feather line, including asking her to back, fq yield, and turn.
Circling - trot flexion and bend developing beautifully, holding the flexion into canter to the left. Sooo smooth.
Friendly - extreme. Circling to the right she got worried about the sunlight on the ground, so used that to develop confidence.
Online Driving - two featherlines, using point to point as our focus, including loops for turning, zone 3. Sublime. Getting it, in terms of using my body first rather than the lines.
Liberty
Stick to me, walk and trot - so much more connection and responsiveness, getting in-gait transitions at the trot much better, no running away!
Circling/Figure 8 at trot, mixing up the patterns. She waited for me to ask her to disengage before finishing. Really really really really nice.
Sept. 19, 2013
Online Warm up. Point to Point 20 feet; circling with flexion - worried today as we were outside and the autumn changes seem to have her concerned about the environment; Sideways around barrel; touch the barrel.
Freestyle
Z very worried when I started riding. Got off, bit more online at trot, and she settled.
Figure 8 at walk SUPERB! At trot, losing the pattern on second loop to the left.
Finesse
Found PIng Ping - my body is now riding! Found impulsion, got straightness, got the figure 8 and circles. Beautiful.
Sept. 20, 2013
Prep day for tomorrow's tetanus vaccine. Red light and panaway massage.
Liberty in her paddock:
Lead by tail, few hairs. Super response.
Squeeze, very narrow over small log. "Are you sure?" "Okay"
FQ yield, driving. Stopping when released. Amazing.
THEN THIS: Invited Z to jump the scary jump. Having it be her decision. Two times she said, no thanks, and went around. Third time. she CHOOSE to do the big jump rather than the very small obstacle next to it. WOWOWOWOW. She was a little stressed afterward. Turned and faced but head up. Friendly CS worried her a bit, but then she relaxed. Load of carrots!
Online
Then for long grass munch. After that asked for a brief stick to me at trot online, in the outdoor ring. It went really well, so asked for stick to me at canter - it worked just like Linda and Pat show it, by doing a little gallop. She clearly understood what I wanted, and stayed with me. We haven't had this success before. I'm flying!
Sunday, August 4, 2013
August 2013
August 1. Jumped 22"!
August 4. Hubby learned Games 1-3!
August 10. First time riding with others in 1 1/2 years. First time riding with sliders and spinners ever!
August 16. Low flying plane repeatedly buzz up. Zaina's a cool customer. I get off. Yeah Parelli!
August 1, 2013
Online
Quick warm up with saddle on.
After ride, in paddock asked for jump over 22" obstacle. Zaina did it from a standstill!
Freestyle
Bosal hackamore, 3rd ripe. Developing straightness on circle. Difficult to left. I had to figure out my cues and body weight and positioning to get the turns. After about 15 minutes GOT IT!
August 2, 2013
Zaina has a girth sore, probably from the heat. So no riding for awhile.
Online
Friendly game with hula hoop, which we haven't done for 2 years. Skeptical at first, but approach and retreat means we made fast progress with confidence. I had to watch carefully though, to ensure she wasn't running away inside, but although during this session she didn't lower her head she was able to stand still and think.
Then asked for a squeeze - feet inside hoop. She stepped on it! So good to be inviting not telling, and accepting unwillingness as "that's good too". Means making fun progress rather than torturous attempts.
45' Line - circle canter. Getting better to the right.
45' Line - figure 8 trotting. Difficulty coming back when going to left (stiff going to left is now clearly a "thing" online and under saddle), but ended with a success.
Squeeze between lying down barrels. Scary. Very glad to now know how to do squeeze game properly and how to develop confidence by making it easier, rather than keeping on at the scary level.
Liberty
Banging going on in the barn, so Z got worried but I was able to shape it into stick to me, and then into a walk circle. Lots of trouble changing direction to the right (so at liberty to the right is difficult....), but by being persistent in the proper position I was able to help her manage a full circle!
August 4, 2013
Online
Carrot stick riding online: Great to the right, difficult turning to left (as was riding last session).
Circle at canter 45' Line: Much much happier going to the right. Able to move with her because outside and this kept her calmer.
Figure 8 trotting 45' Line: Continuing to develop.
Squeeze between barrels. Developing confidence.
Squeeze over 22' jump - no worries.
Hubby learned Games 1-3 with Z today!!!!
August 5, 2013
Online
Extreme Friendly Game with hula hoop, session 2. Walking, moving hoop in zones 2, 3, 4, and 5. Ooops, 5 is scary. Developed confidence!
Squeeze game with hoop session 2. Both front feet inside, with me on her right side. I love how she now trusts me and is willing to give these tasks a chance. I love how I'm smarter and can see the try earlier.
Canter circling. She is stronger now and much more balanced going to the right. Time to shape her bend a bit now, as being strung out isn't helping her physically or mentally.
Figure 8 at trot. 22' line. No issues with turning back so need to figure out what is happening with 45' line. Time for a video coaching session!
Squeeze between barrels session 3. Able to stop in all zones, and back up.
Barrels nice distance apart.
Liberty
Stick to me at trot. Lots of "go" today.
Circling - still very difficult to have her turn from left to right. Spent a long time trying to figure out what to do about this, then "bit" her so her butt moved away from me. That did it! She couldn't keep her eyes off me!
August 7, 2013
Online
Went over obstacle with tarp calmly!
Cantering continues to improve. Beginning to develop some flexion.
Trotting, when asked for flexion she FLOATED!
Figure 8 trotting on 45' line - fixed
Friendly with barrels, asking to touch with foot - worried.
Friendly with friend opening doors, banging around - will come back to this.
Friendly with hoop - okay in zone 5, stood in it, walked through it leaving 1 hind leg inside as walked.
Liberty
Stick to me - not too interested.
Figure 8 at walk - success! really good on send and return!
August 9, 2013
Online
Falling leaf to help get the emotions down (work happening on barn roof has her wanting to "go")
Then Ada with the circling, walk and trot.
Me with cantering. Went ballistic to the left - perhaps hit a wasp? As after got her stopped she calmed down and was able to canter right then left without issue.
Lots of Friendly game today, with Ada's assistance. Stepping into hula hoop, pushing ball, ball on back (worried - haven't done this for awhile).
Inside, lots of friendly with Ada going up and down the stairs and opening a door into the arena.
Then touch the barrel with leg. Used clicker for help, and bingo done. Afterwards she was pushing the barrels hard enough with her nose to make two of them move!
Squeeze through barrel, very narrow space.
August 10, 2011
Online
Warmup "S" curves, stick to me at walk and trot, driving.
Freestyle
Wearing bosal. First time in arena with other riders - Z at first little jumpy at the reiners spins and stops but was able to calm when I got her doing stuff. Walk and trot with lots of changes of direction. Back coming up, getting more relaxed.
August 11, 2013
Hubby Online
Friendly, stick to me at walk zone 1, hide your hinney. Hubby much more confident! Zaina processing.
Me Online
22' line weave at walk and trot.
Sideways from zone 1
Touch barrel with foot (worried, did it)
Squeeze through barrels (narrow).
August 13, 2013
Online
Lots of UDT as I cleaned the paddock and had Zaina on grass. Then to the outdoor ring.
45' line - point to point working at longer distance
- weave (super) First time weave at walk and trot on 45' line!
- circling, walking and trotting over pole (no problem)
- circling, canter (very calm)
- walk, asking for flexion (excellent over stepping and flexion)
- back to point to point, much improved responsiveness.
Lots of rest time at the barrels, of which she is still VERY skeptical despite her ability to touch and squeeze through. Only asked for a moderate squeeze, then just down time, making them our sweet spot.
Indoor, S pattern with work happening on part of stable. Z from very calm to a little worried to calm again.
In paddock asked to squeeze over scary jump. Did it from standstill but worried, then refused. Lowered pole and did it from standstill calmly. Wrapping the pylon in the tarp seems to have increased the worry factor.
Beautiful day!
August 14, 2013
Online
Warmup - turns on FQ and sideways. Walking with bend - lots of overstepping!
Freestyle - outside, wet footing. Z didn't mind the much. Good for fitness!
Developed bends, cloverleaf pattern, backing, sideways. Lots of trot, including standing at the trot. My confidence a lot better. Reins even, and looser.
"Bumping" with rein when she braces - very effective!
August 15, 2013
Grooming with Ada followed by hoof trimming.
August 16, 2013
Ada's online play session today. Developing her skills with the weave pattern (walk) and extreme friendly ( Zaina putting feet inside hula hoop). Ada's increased confidence and skills are really benefiting Zaina. Zaina was calm, connected, and responsive throughout - even when I left the ring. First time that I've left and Z has stayed mindful of her partnership with Ada.
After Ada's playtime with Zaina my turn to ride. Focus is on increasing my time in the saddle, Zaina's fitness, and developing flexion. All coming together. Ride time was shortened by the unexpected and repeated visit of a flow flying plane. Zaina was a rock. I withstood 3 passes and then got off. Plane disappeared, I got back on. Plan returned. I got off. Yeah Parelli.
August 18, 2013
Hubby's play session with Z. More confident.
Haltering.
FQ and HQ yields (driving) before leaving paddock.
PP back from nose and chest
Yo yo
Stick to me at walk, getting in harmony, changing directions
All terrific! Zaina quickly connecting with him.
After hubby's session, circling with canter to left. Then asking for flexion at walk and trot. Going to right, got a BEAUTIFUL flexion at the trot.
August 19, 2013
Online: Preflight warm up.
Freestyle:
Really chilled out pony. Continuing to develop fitness, changes of direction (turning left continues to be a challenge)
Incorporating transitions within the trot to help bring up her back.
All very wonderful. No low fliers today....
August 21, 2013
Very hot, and I'm tired and moody from work issues. Decided to mostly hang out, grooming and cleaning the paddock. Went for some grass, refining PP backing from chest and PP FH yields - one step at a time (working now!). Then a squeeze over a very narrow space and small log, then squeeze over our 20" scary jump. Put out the markers as the sweet spot (learned this from August audio lesson) - love the psychology. Zaina looking sooo good these days. Her coat is beautiful.
August 23, 2013
UDT with Ada. Lots of grooming. Happy horse and humans!
August 25, 2013
Robert's play day. Driving
HQ & FQ - Zaina much more responsive, R's timing better.
Stick to me at walk and trot - great harmony at the walk, at trot Z working VERY hard to slow her pace to stay with Robert. As a result, more collection!
PP - chest. Really good
New game today - circling. Zaina a clown "I don't know how!" "I need to come in!" "I need to go the other way." R having to be a leader, which worked.
My turn with Z, circling to develop flexion. REALLY nice stuff happening at the trot to the left. Floating with collection!
Asked for canter to left as well, from the trot, but as she's immediately going into a nice rounded trot but losing it at the canter I quit, so as not to wreck the new development.
Trot to the right flexion coming. Fun!
August 26, 2013
Online: Warmup. Walk & trot, developing flexion, much improvement to the right.
CS riding online changing directions, backing up, halting. VG
Freestyle:
Started outdoors. Had to move her feet. RAN over pole and kept going. Turn face and wait calming. Got off when garbage truck arrived. Started to rain so moved inside. Z much calmer. Became conscious of how much using the reins first, so developing eyes - belly button.... This helped Z relax a lot.
Patterns - cloverleaf with circles. Some major trots from hind end - whoooohoooo - she's got soo much strength.
She let me know when it was enough.
Liberty
Beautiful connection. Figure 8 at walk, stopping for reward at each return before resending. This made a huge difference. Clearly understands pattern and willing.
Close range circle, ditto.. Best walking close range circle to date. She had a chance to leave to the door, but choose to stay on the pattern.
Learned to day the importance of ask for a lot, accept a little, reward often - the formula for progress and relationship building!
August 28, 2013
Online:
Preride warmup - carrot stick riding, changing directions. All good.
Freestyle: - Videocoaching filming
Cloverleaf pattern
Circles
Lots of learning to come from this videotape!
Finesse (not filmed):
First serious finesse ride since our beginning Game of Contact sessions in the spring. Working on developing flexion. Lots of bracing. I maintained my position and tried not to be pulling. Took about 10 minutes and she released. I got off!
August 30, 2013
Started outside, driving Zaina in the big ring from one end to the other rewarding with grass. It was a very windy day and she wanted to GO, so this gave us both a purpose and target and big reason to stop.
From there to the indoor, where went directly to liberty.
BEAUTIFUL figure 8 at the walk,
Developing stick to me at the trot - she's starting to be more inclined to want to stick to me!
Circle, great at the walk to the left, when I asked for the circle to the right and she changed back to the left I played the "okay, but go faster" game, and this got her interested in walking to the right!
When at the canter she left I said "What a great girl!" and she came trotting back, and tried harder to stick with the pattern - that open door is soooo inviting!
After that great time (Know when to quit!) I had a very mellow online session. Slow with steady progress, big rewards for big tries
- backing toward an obstacle
- bending on the circle
- Lots of carrot stick online riding
- Squeeze through the barrels.
Delightful way to bring this month's play session to a close.
Monday, July 1, 2013
JULY, 2013
JULY HIGHLIGHTS - What a month! 14 sessions
July 1 Freestyle Level 2 audition!
July 3, Cantering on long rein.
July 6, It's not about the levels.
July 21, LIBERTY.
July 24, New hackamore, rawhide noseband.
July 29, superb trot under saddle in bosal hackamore.
July 1, 2013
Online
Warm up for riding. Great FH yields, steps under control. Able to do 3 steps and rub to a full stop.
Freestyle
Opened the gate task, done.
Freestyle level 2 audition, practice then for real. Zaina terrifically left brained. Even had to put her on the rail at the trot to bring her life up! The ride was terrific.
http://youtu.be/TlrtTeYPckc
July 3, 2013
Online
Touch it with nose, waiting for a question before asking for next task. She asks questions so quietly, and I wonder if that is a sign of unconfidence? After waiting for her and when got a question, smiled and went on to another touch it, this seemed to heighten her interest or maybe confidence in asking questions as they became more direct.
Sideways along jump blocks, then sideways toward with the blocks in z3. When she gave a big step we waited, then I took her for a big run to the other end of the arena and back. Asked her to move toward the blocks again, this time also toward me. Still unconfident but able to work through evasions, trying really really hard. I'm rewarding tiny tries and stopping when there is a bit more effort.
Circling - canter to right. Breaking, rushing, so changed pattern and asked for downward transition from trot keeping her parallel to me. Got giant neck swing, but beautiful transition. Repeated, same response. Then from trot asked for canter and after a bit of a wobble she was able to continue calmly and lowered her neck, which caused her to use her hind legs.
Freestyle
Took the plunge into level 3 freestyle today after watching the level 3 dvd. Used my body much more. I realized then how little I have been using it. Amazing how awareness starts to develop. I was able to give up the california roll at the trot. Zaina rounding up for a few strides. Lots of walk and rest reward.
Canter to left - 3 times, 1 1/2 rotations each. On 3rd time she went large to back of arena and past the middle coming to front - yahoo!
July 5, 2013
Zaina's confidence continues to increase exponentially. Today she calmly jumped over 3 jump blocks laid side to side. A big part of this accomplishment is from my having been putting jump blocks and poles in her paddock, so that they are part of her normal environment and don't just show up for a "session". Over time I've been increasing the amount of materials and thus increasing the likelihood that she needs to go over something. Today I added one last block, closing up the space completely, asked and received a beautiful jump over. Went for a long grass session. Returned, asked and received 3 more jumps. Natural progression rules!
July 7, 2013
Another very humid day, so lots of time on grass. Then slow, soft progressive play in her paddock.
I really like how I'm getting smarter, softer and slower. Quality in terms of Zaina's understanding and developing confidence rather than completion of a task to get a change. World of difference.
- FH yield to the left, one step at a time. Progressed to 1/3 of a rotation. Terrific responsiveness - calm, connected, waiting, stepping, waiting....
- Squeeze over blocks with a log on top. First time over bit rushed, but then calm.
- Squeeze between, stopping in each zone. Asked for a step back before going forward and this made a huge difference. Calmly waited in each zone, AND offered to back one step at a time once we had finished.
July 10, 2013
Online
Squeeze over low cross rail - no sweat!
Sideways along poles, and with poles in Z3 - getting more confident!
Circling, trot with changes of direction NICE. Canter to right - really really good! HUGE change.
Freestyle
Haha - we were outside and there's lots of grass along the fenceline. I used the Cloverleaf (mmmm, pun?) pattern to get her focus because she was going to the rail and the rope halter doesn't have much effect in that case! But the pattern got her focused on me, and we had a great ride.
Trotted over the crossrail instead of jumping, and turn face to wait.
Lots of circles, serpentines, and halts.
Tires quickly still, because of the incline, so lots of resting.
Worked on walking to the cross rail then stopping, backing, forward, stop back repeating. This blew her mind - not HAVING to or NEEDING to go over. Beautiful time.
July 12, 2013
Mostly UDT today, with Ada grooming, us chatting, lots of pictures. Zaina being very brave with the treat ball - pushing it right over to get banana pieces, even though it was placed in a squeeze area.
Also some squeezes over a log, Ada learning lead by the tail. Beautiful beautiful day.
July 13, 2013
Online
45' Line - first time since moving at the beginning of June. Haven't felt confident enough in the new surroundings until now, but time to progress! It was great to use for circling game, as now I can play with Zaina going out as far as she can on the line at the trot. She's discovering that she can take the line all the way to the grass along the ring fence!
Cantering to the right continues to improve. She went back to playing the "if I run fast she'll bring me in game" and when I didn't, changed it to "I'll just come in" game. When that didn't work I got giant LB bucks and kicks - wooooeeee! Then a settled canter. How lovely to be playing WITH her.
Developing sideways from zone 1, with jump block in Z3. Continues to stretch her confidence.
Freestyle
Developing transitions in the gait. Fitness is still an issue in this sloping arena, so lots of chances for full transitions. Zaina far more cooperative - not bracing into the halter to get at the oh so tempting grass. My use of my body is getting slightly better. Canter to the left, using more of the ring. I thought it would get wild but it didn't, she's looking after me!
After that, a long time on grass. Beautiful beautiful time. I'm soaring.
July 19, 2013
Ada's play day with Zaina. Zaina very LBE and pushy so taught Ada Flying Leaf pattern. Really worked to turn Zaina's dominance into respect.
Circling game at the trot. Zaina switched to walking behind Ada, but when Ada upped her energy Zaina said "YES m'am!" and was super responsive! It was wonderful to see and helped me realize that I can and should be asking for more responsiveness now.
Then my turn, continued circling game with canter to right, continuing to develop. Zaina more able to maintain canter. Trying to help her bend so that she is more balanced and thus having an easier time of it. Still a work in progress but FAR easier than reviously. No more running around, Z trying hard.
July 21, 2013
Online
Karen helping me learn carrot stick riding online. Backing using carrot stick, turning using carrot stick. Once I got my timing and feel right Z was very responsive. Helped a lot for riding and more for liberty!
Freestyle
Applying strategies of partial disengagement and lateral flexion learned from July's savvy club dvd to help with Zaina's forwardness. Helped a lot, especially to the right, to get her to bend, flex and be much more focused. More difficult to the left, with Zaina bracing. Need to review dvd segment. But still helpful. More effective than just telling her to stop, this way am asking for focusing but also letting her move, which she needs to do.
Z got bit emotional when heard paraequestrian's walker scraping the floor in the barn. Got off, Z looked outside and was able to see the walker (although now not scraping). Got back on and reviewed skills again. Good ride.
LIBERTY!
First played mirror me, then stick to me at walk and trot. Amazing, Z stayed with me despite the allure of the gate and grass beyond. Backing, lead by tail, lead by leg, then circling at trot which included change of directions. Wonderful - she was even able to change to the right (after a couple of tries) and maintain a circle!
July 24, 2013
Online
PP sideways along wall - very good.
Canter circling to right and left - everything is improving.
Backing - phase 1 and 2, and quite straight.
With saddle on and new lariat hackamore - walking and trotting as Z got used to the feel.
Freestyle
New hackamore has more communication so Z a little reactive to begin with - moving off in stead of flexing, but that's okay. She quickly figured it out. Did lots of small circles with partial disengagement to ensure calmness. Much easier to communicate. Trotting - no problem. To the right. I was able to relax into the trot and relax my eyes as the hackamore allows for less use of arms and less bracing from Zaina. Very Nice!.
Liberty
Stick to me at walk trot - "you can do no wrong" helped me stay relaxed when she wouldn't immediately transition down, I just stayed with her and kept asking and she went from walk to trot at the door. Used the door as the motivation fort changes of direction. Then she lost interest until I said "So Canter!" And she did, with wild sliding stops into the corner and at the door. After 3 of these she cantered toward me, then did a partial figure 8 through the obstacles and stopped. Very proud and happy with herself! I then asked for a close circle - and it worked! Took 3 asks to get a full circle without her coming in early, but it worked. Beautiful!
July 27 & 28, 2013
Friday and Saturday - Zaina moderately tight and sore, I think from her being in heat combined with too much stall time because of the weather. So, long sessions with the red light and just a bit of play to help her move out. On Friday NOT wanting to trot at all. Saturday able to do some S turns and enjoyed walking up an incline. Very much enjoyed grass time.
July 29, 2013
Online 45' Line Indoors (first time using this line indoors at this new barn)
Point to point at trot- Zaina able to maintain gait and direction. I didn't make corrections of where to stop or how to stand, and on third go, she went straight to the targets, didn't overshoot, and stood facing them.
Circling game - trot, changing directions. Couple of goes at it before she was responsive to the ask, then she disengaged and had a think; a bit worried because of changing in each direction in pretty quick succession.
Circling game - canter: picked up a very nice canter to the right! Only asked for a couple of circles as she was so calm and responsive. Still needs to bend, and flex but the calmness is there!
Figure 8. walk and trot: 3rd time through she followed the pattern without overshooting. Very calm.
Sideways from zone 1, using rope on ground as barrier. She wanted to come to me, so instead of sending her back repeatedly I accepted and used this to develop sideways over the rope zone 3, since this is worrisome for her. She was calm and developing sideways from zone 1 this way.
Liberty
Stick to me at walk and trot, beautiful connection, developing transitions within the trot downwards (moving toward passage - it was neatoooo).
Figure 8, walking, using the open door to help guide her away from me. Positive reinforcement using my voice "good girl" to bring her back to me. This went VERY WELL. It has been a long time since we've had success with the figure 8 at liberty, and it is the more positive approach AND breaking it down (stopping and resting when she comes to me before sending away again). Achieved a full figure 8 this way. Stopped after one success (getting smarter!).
A huge day of connected achievements.
July 30, 2013
OnLine
Warm up for riding.
Freestyle
Second ride with the bosal hackamore. VERY nice bending at the trot. Able to direct her slowly and more accurately. Lots of in and out of cars and people today, so I was nervous, although Zaina was handling herself well. After trotting when she blew out I ended the session. Great ride - wonderful way to end this month's horse time!
July 1 Freestyle Level 2 audition!
July 3, Cantering on long rein.
July 6, It's not about the levels.
July 21, LIBERTY.
July 24, New hackamore, rawhide noseband.
July 29, superb trot under saddle in bosal hackamore.
July 1, 2013
Online
Warm up for riding. Great FH yields, steps under control. Able to do 3 steps and rub to a full stop.
Freestyle
Opened the gate task, done.
Freestyle level 2 audition, practice then for real. Zaina terrifically left brained. Even had to put her on the rail at the trot to bring her life up! The ride was terrific.
http://youtu.be/TlrtTeYPckc
July 3, 2013
Online
Touch it with nose, waiting for a question before asking for next task. She asks questions so quietly, and I wonder if that is a sign of unconfidence? After waiting for her and when got a question, smiled and went on to another touch it, this seemed to heighten her interest or maybe confidence in asking questions as they became more direct.
Sideways along jump blocks, then sideways toward with the blocks in z3. When she gave a big step we waited, then I took her for a big run to the other end of the arena and back. Asked her to move toward the blocks again, this time also toward me. Still unconfident but able to work through evasions, trying really really hard. I'm rewarding tiny tries and stopping when there is a bit more effort.
Circling - canter to right. Breaking, rushing, so changed pattern and asked for downward transition from trot keeping her parallel to me. Got giant neck swing, but beautiful transition. Repeated, same response. Then from trot asked for canter and after a bit of a wobble she was able to continue calmly and lowered her neck, which caused her to use her hind legs.
Freestyle
Took the plunge into level 3 freestyle today after watching the level 3 dvd. Used my body much more. I realized then how little I have been using it. Amazing how awareness starts to develop. I was able to give up the california roll at the trot. Zaina rounding up for a few strides. Lots of walk and rest reward.
Canter to left - 3 times, 1 1/2 rotations each. On 3rd time she went large to back of arena and past the middle coming to front - yahoo!
July 5, 2013
Zaina's confidence continues to increase exponentially. Today she calmly jumped over 3 jump blocks laid side to side. A big part of this accomplishment is from my having been putting jump blocks and poles in her paddock, so that they are part of her normal environment and don't just show up for a "session". Over time I've been increasing the amount of materials and thus increasing the likelihood that she needs to go over something. Today I added one last block, closing up the space completely, asked and received a beautiful jump over. Went for a long grass session. Returned, asked and received 3 more jumps. Natural progression rules!
July 7, 2013
Another very humid day, so lots of time on grass. Then slow, soft progressive play in her paddock.
I really like how I'm getting smarter, softer and slower. Quality in terms of Zaina's understanding and developing confidence rather than completion of a task to get a change. World of difference.
- FH yield to the left, one step at a time. Progressed to 1/3 of a rotation. Terrific responsiveness - calm, connected, waiting, stepping, waiting....
- Squeeze over blocks with a log on top. First time over bit rushed, but then calm.
- Squeeze between, stopping in each zone. Asked for a step back before going forward and this made a huge difference. Calmly waited in each zone, AND offered to back one step at a time once we had finished.
July 10, 2013
Online
Squeeze over low cross rail - no sweat!
Sideways along poles, and with poles in Z3 - getting more confident!
Circling, trot with changes of direction NICE. Canter to right - really really good! HUGE change.
Freestyle
Haha - we were outside and there's lots of grass along the fenceline. I used the Cloverleaf (mmmm, pun?) pattern to get her focus because she was going to the rail and the rope halter doesn't have much effect in that case! But the pattern got her focused on me, and we had a great ride.
Trotted over the crossrail instead of jumping, and turn face to wait.
Lots of circles, serpentines, and halts.
Tires quickly still, because of the incline, so lots of resting.
Worked on walking to the cross rail then stopping, backing, forward, stop back repeating. This blew her mind - not HAVING to or NEEDING to go over. Beautiful time.
July 12, 2013
Mostly UDT today, with Ada grooming, us chatting, lots of pictures. Zaina being very brave with the treat ball - pushing it right over to get banana pieces, even though it was placed in a squeeze area.
Also some squeezes over a log, Ada learning lead by the tail. Beautiful beautiful day.
July 13, 2013
Online
45' Line - first time since moving at the beginning of June. Haven't felt confident enough in the new surroundings until now, but time to progress! It was great to use for circling game, as now I can play with Zaina going out as far as she can on the line at the trot. She's discovering that she can take the line all the way to the grass along the ring fence!
Cantering to the right continues to improve. She went back to playing the "if I run fast she'll bring me in game" and when I didn't, changed it to "I'll just come in" game. When that didn't work I got giant LB bucks and kicks - wooooeeee! Then a settled canter. How lovely to be playing WITH her.
Developing sideways from zone 1, with jump block in Z3. Continues to stretch her confidence.
Freestyle
Developing transitions in the gait. Fitness is still an issue in this sloping arena, so lots of chances for full transitions. Zaina far more cooperative - not bracing into the halter to get at the oh so tempting grass. My use of my body is getting slightly better. Canter to the left, using more of the ring. I thought it would get wild but it didn't, she's looking after me!
After that, a long time on grass. Beautiful beautiful time. I'm soaring.
July 19, 2013
Ada's play day with Zaina. Zaina very LBE and pushy so taught Ada Flying Leaf pattern. Really worked to turn Zaina's dominance into respect.
Circling game at the trot. Zaina switched to walking behind Ada, but when Ada upped her energy Zaina said "YES m'am!" and was super responsive! It was wonderful to see and helped me realize that I can and should be asking for more responsiveness now.
Then my turn, continued circling game with canter to right, continuing to develop. Zaina more able to maintain canter. Trying to help her bend so that she is more balanced and thus having an easier time of it. Still a work in progress but FAR easier than reviously. No more running around, Z trying hard.
July 21, 2013
Online
Karen helping me learn carrot stick riding online. Backing using carrot stick, turning using carrot stick. Once I got my timing and feel right Z was very responsive. Helped a lot for riding and more for liberty!
Freestyle
Applying strategies of partial disengagement and lateral flexion learned from July's savvy club dvd to help with Zaina's forwardness. Helped a lot, especially to the right, to get her to bend, flex and be much more focused. More difficult to the left, with Zaina bracing. Need to review dvd segment. But still helpful. More effective than just telling her to stop, this way am asking for focusing but also letting her move, which she needs to do.
Z got bit emotional when heard paraequestrian's walker scraping the floor in the barn. Got off, Z looked outside and was able to see the walker (although now not scraping). Got back on and reviewed skills again. Good ride.
LIBERTY!
First played mirror me, then stick to me at walk and trot. Amazing, Z stayed with me despite the allure of the gate and grass beyond. Backing, lead by tail, lead by leg, then circling at trot which included change of directions. Wonderful - she was even able to change to the right (after a couple of tries) and maintain a circle!
July 24, 2013
Online
PP sideways along wall - very good.
Canter circling to right and left - everything is improving.
Backing - phase 1 and 2, and quite straight.
With saddle on and new lariat hackamore - walking and trotting as Z got used to the feel.
Freestyle
New hackamore has more communication so Z a little reactive to begin with - moving off in stead of flexing, but that's okay. She quickly figured it out. Did lots of small circles with partial disengagement to ensure calmness. Much easier to communicate. Trotting - no problem. To the right. I was able to relax into the trot and relax my eyes as the hackamore allows for less use of arms and less bracing from Zaina. Very Nice!.
Liberty
Stick to me at walk trot - "you can do no wrong" helped me stay relaxed when she wouldn't immediately transition down, I just stayed with her and kept asking and she went from walk to trot at the door. Used the door as the motivation fort changes of direction. Then she lost interest until I said "So Canter!" And she did, with wild sliding stops into the corner and at the door. After 3 of these she cantered toward me, then did a partial figure 8 through the obstacles and stopped. Very proud and happy with herself! I then asked for a close circle - and it worked! Took 3 asks to get a full circle without her coming in early, but it worked. Beautiful!
July 27 & 28, 2013
Friday and Saturday - Zaina moderately tight and sore, I think from her being in heat combined with too much stall time because of the weather. So, long sessions with the red light and just a bit of play to help her move out. On Friday NOT wanting to trot at all. Saturday able to do some S turns and enjoyed walking up an incline. Very much enjoyed grass time.
July 29, 2013
Online 45' Line Indoors (first time using this line indoors at this new barn)
Point to point at trot- Zaina able to maintain gait and direction. I didn't make corrections of where to stop or how to stand, and on third go, she went straight to the targets, didn't overshoot, and stood facing them.
Circling game - trot, changing directions. Couple of goes at it before she was responsive to the ask, then she disengaged and had a think; a bit worried because of changing in each direction in pretty quick succession.
Circling game - canter: picked up a very nice canter to the right! Only asked for a couple of circles as she was so calm and responsive. Still needs to bend, and flex but the calmness is there!
Figure 8. walk and trot: 3rd time through she followed the pattern without overshooting. Very calm.
Sideways from zone 1, using rope on ground as barrier. She wanted to come to me, so instead of sending her back repeatedly I accepted and used this to develop sideways over the rope zone 3, since this is worrisome for her. She was calm and developing sideways from zone 1 this way.
Liberty
Stick to me at walk and trot, beautiful connection, developing transitions within the trot downwards (moving toward passage - it was neatoooo).
Figure 8, walking, using the open door to help guide her away from me. Positive reinforcement using my voice "good girl" to bring her back to me. This went VERY WELL. It has been a long time since we've had success with the figure 8 at liberty, and it is the more positive approach AND breaking it down (stopping and resting when she comes to me before sending away again). Achieved a full figure 8 this way. Stopped after one success (getting smarter!).
A huge day of connected achievements.
July 30, 2013
OnLine
Warm up for riding.
Freestyle
Second ride with the bosal hackamore. VERY nice bending at the trot. Able to direct her slowly and more accurately. Lots of in and out of cars and people today, so I was nervous, although Zaina was handling herself well. After trotting when she blew out I ended the session. Great ride - wonderful way to end this month's horse time!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
JUNE, 2013
Highlights: 16 Sessions with Zaina this month; 10 rides!
New stable!
Fawn's Lessons: "yes" not "go"; flow; 1.5 seconds response; intimate space.
Notes from Ron Pyne's*** PEI clinic: move laterally or back after stopping, not straight immediately; end pattern clearly by taking one step back.
Savvy Club DVD #74 Major keystone dvds with Linda being a true master. Much more horse sensitive. Incredible learning.
OPENING A GATE
So much has happened this month. So much positive change with the move. Zaina "calmest horse in the barn". Me, chilling out. After 3 1/2 years of Zaina being an hour away, having her within 30 minutes is beyond delightful. The natural horsemanship of Equine Estates has done wonders for Zaina, helping her to very quickly adjust to the move and developing an inner zen. All the Parelli learning opportunities this month, more opportunities to play with Zaina, and a shift in atmosphere have made for huge progress. Time to move on to level 3 riding.
Goals for next month:
Audition video
Asking questions
June 1, 2013
First full day new home. Arrived to find Zaina calmly eating her hay outside. She wasn't worried, pretty blase about my arrival. First time with various moves where she hasn't been anxious during this early days.
"A" came to visit and we had a great time. Cleaned up the paddock, "A" groomed Z, played with the treat ball. We went for grass. Zaina chilled the whole time. Nice.
June 2, 2013
Had a short play session today, to start getting Zaina's mind focused on me despite the distractions of having new horse neighbours. HQ yield (needed lots of repetition before she was connected to me with this task), figure 8 trot (very good - 12 ft line), weave 3 obstacles at walk and trot - excellent. Great short and successful time. Grass reward.
June 4, 2013 ONLINE
First time in the new barn indoor. Other horses outside. Zaina a bit worried but also curious. No calling, so separation not a big deal. This is a HUGE change from the last moves. I'm thinking she's thinking I'm a worthwhile partner?
Her worries did enable a GREAT figure 8 on the 12 foot line. Trotting on the change of direction which we've never had before! Did a lot of sideways along the arena walls to explore. FQ yields to develop connection.
Horse came in for a lesson, big folding door opened - WOWSER said Zaina. Big French Canadian trotted in. WOWSER said Zaina. Put her on a small circle and she was able to mostly stay unemotional, as she showed off her beautiful trot. When she got worried she started to disengage herself.
June 5, 2013
Foot Trim.
Zaina worried during trim because in the barn without other horses, and none in sight. Took me too long to figure out what was the problem. Used the red light, thinking it might be soreness. It did help though to relax her. Hadn't seen this much ADD from her for a long time, so had forgotten what it can be like. Need to up the play session intensity now, in order to get her mind active and more focused on me.
June 7, 2013
Online: Finally getting back in the groove after the big move. 22' Line, trot figure 8, sideways fast along the wall (making it a game - move those hind legs or I'm gonna get'ya!), sideways without a fence, using the rope on ground then asking her to move sideways toward me to reverse direction. Super cool, as she was very responsive. Circling, walk - trot -canter. She likes the footing, as not slippy and deep so she picked up a beautiful canter and kept it with calmness to the left. Worried about going to the right so rewarded small tries.
Freestyle
Round pen - super cool. Walked and then trotted, and did changes of direction through a figure 8. When she worried I used an indirect rein to change direction, only had to do it a couple of times at the beginning of the ride. We were both smiling during that trot!
Zaina much more relaxed today when inside without the other horses. Waited patiently while I chatted, and didn't get worried when other horses were going out. Chilled.
June 9, 2013
Nine days into June and have been with Z 6 times! She continues to be a calmer, more confident horse. The handling at the barn is super for her. She's not worried, no more separation anxiety it seems. Very very different horse.
Online
22ft line - weave at walk, longer distance. Excellent.
Squeeze over folded tarp with one end raised on cavaletti block: skeptical, but stepped over, next time, more confident and stepped onto tarp.
Circling: beautiful trot, roller nose sounds happening!. Canter to right - helping her develop confidence.
Freestyle - Whole Arena!!
Zaina very much wanted to play the corners game - curious!
Walked, developing her confidence with the open spaces, and getting closer to the rail. By not pushing her to the rail, but letting her look and pushing away soon she was happily on the rail.
TROTTED! Circle, weave, on the rail.
June 10, 2013
On inspiration zipped out to see Zaina! Left at 2:15, home by 5. WOW. Super time. Super horse. Loving it.
Online
In the paddock, squeeze between cavaletti blocks. Then Sideways toward. Very very difficult for Z as she starts to go over. But got some steps toward. Lots of time to develop.
7 games in outdoor ring. Big thrill - Zaina interested in going in to big wet area in ring, even to deeper part!!! All very good.
Freestyle
Outside for first time at new place, so no carrot stick riding. Footing wet. Very surprised at Zaina's calmness.
Walk and trot on the rail, big serpentines. Tiring for Zaina, as footing is wet, and there's a slope, so she needs to work hard and its warm. Definitely LBI today!
So neat with her calmness. Perfect progress. Amazing.
June 11, 2013 ONLINE
Things are just getting better and better.
Walk, trot, canter circling game. To the right MUCH better. When returned to go to the right after a break from the left she started to PLAY. Four off the flour jump and buck! Then she sort of nibbled at the rope on the ground - getting left brainy!
Weave - 22foot line trot, from farther distance. Zaina super connected. On one of the circuits we miscued so I stopped, and she did, she knew to back up and walk around the obstacle. Toooooo cooooool. She knew the pattern, knew she'd missed the pattern, knew how to go back and fix the pattern!!!!!
Then, after a rest while I chatted she got bored and decided that she needed to do a canter game, so we used the obstacles for a canter figure 8 with simple changes. I love it when her idea goes beyond what I thought we could do!
June 13, 2013
UDT with grooming and grass munching during an opportunity to share time with a pal. Then a few minutes of liberty in Zaina's paddock. Haven't done liberty for ages and asking for liberty was iffy given we hadn't done much to establish rapport, so I thought. But she was with me, even though also really wanted to be "free". Played stick to me, with changes of direction, backing, squeeze, and move towards me sideways. Zaina, you always bring a smile to my face.
June 14, 2013
Online
Weave at the walk, 22' line - Excellent
Sideways along rope on ground - Very good.
Circling - canter to right, getting better.
Freestyle
Nervous today at the start, with horses going out and the rain. I was able to help her become confident doing figure 8s and indirect rein so she was disengaging. Starting to round her back at the trot, making it very very smooth.
Developed game of having her focus on obstacle by using focus, which helped with circling. Terrific ride. Big smiles.
June 15 & 16 Audited Fawn's Lessons with Barb, and Barb & Ada
Lots of learning. Tons of notes
- Intimate Space
- Extreme Friendly Game
- "yes" not "do it"
- driving game to back up PPG when phase 2 not enough
June 17, 2013
Online:
Incorporating techniques and strategies learned from auditing Fawn's lessons on the weekend. "Yes" instead of "do it" with support of the stick - made a BIG difference to Zaina's attitude with a squeeze, more quickly being confidant.
Extreme friendly game, and friendly game ambush also helping out.
Freestyle
Yehaa! Zaina had fire in her feet today. Lots of calling to other horses. Used Extreme Friendly Game by hitting stick on arena wall and my helmet as we rode - something I wouldn't have dared to do with energy before. Lots of short serpentines to help her get unemotional. Figure 8s and weave going well, including at trot.
She picked up a canter at one point to the left and it was good, although I become worried. Asked for it to the right for a bit, still choppy but she's getting more confident with her feet in that direction.
Stand by the gate and seating area - when she didn't want to stay still left and did lots of fast trotting, then back for a rest. Seems to be helping.
Finished the ride feeling great. Very happy that I can now stay with her at higher speed and am worrying less.
June 18, 2013
Ada's Fawn Lesson (playing with Teddy)
Ada had a two hour private lesson, on line topped off with liberty.
Online
Friendly game in the round pen with Ada helping by making a commotion in the "cynical" areas.
Ada circling Z walk and trot using techniques learned from Fawn Anderson***.
Treat ball with Ada being the leader and helping Zaina develop emotional fitness. Z showing excellent confidence with the treat ball.
Ada doing turns on HQ with front feet on tarp. Zaina getting worried, and Ada letting her move off the tarp but still asking for yield - Good Job Ada!
My circling Z at the canter to the right, continuing to develop her confidence with the footing.
Freestyle
Passenger lesson at the walk. Wonderful to be able to do this in a secure area. Zaina doing some sort of big shoulder push turns, so I got to practice my position.
Trotting - working on my position, with head and chest up. Some sitting trot. Really just having a fun time with moving.
Sideways to the fence - developing confidence for opening the gate. Zaina MUCH MUCH better with moving her body to the fence. Some nice big steps from her toward the fence - she's starting to be a partner with this task.
June 23, 2013
Using strategies learned from Barb's notes on Ron Pyne's*** clinic in PEI. Especially helpful was to move sideways or back after stopping rather than going straight immediately. End pattern clearly by doing one step back up.
Online
Sideways over rope (to the right) - VERY good
Backing over pole - excellent. Worked on it in stages, and on the 3rd "go" Z went over it smoothly, stopped after back legs and waited. Then brought her forward. Getting flow, phase 1 response.
Circling over rope on ground. She's now stepping on it instead of leaping or worrying over so I guess it's time to move on!
Freestyle
Figure 8 at trot with Carrot Stick. Breaking it down with walk and trot. Using the CS more correctly to assist with the turns. Turn still difficult to the left but I'm improving my position so getting better. When changed the size so much bigger figure 8 was easier for Zaina and much smother.
Lots of sideways with goal of standing sideways next to the gate. Used grass as a reward. Initially required a lot of persistence and lots of reward (by leaving and doing something else). Then a major breakthrough, moving sideways without wiggling to face it or away from it! Time to quit for the day!
June 25, 2013 Online
Hot day, so just taking it easy doing a couple things.
FH Yield - taking just one step. Getting better. Starting to understand that rub means stop. My timing is getting better with backing her if she goes forward.
Sideways over pole, going to the right. I played extreme friendly game in the vicinity when she was worried - running string through bushes and the like (that's extreme for Z given the situation). After that she was confident.
Going over pole propped on one cavaletti block. Extreme friendly with block (rubbing my foot on it) as she got excited at the sound of the pole rubbing it when she knocked it on way over. This helped A Lot!
Really enjoy doing a few things with more precision and looking for her confidence rather than lots of stuff to get it done.
June 26, 2013
Online
Extreme friendly going up ramp to arena. Very helpful for settling her worries. Able to halt calmly before proceeding.
Extreme friendly just by opening big arena door (garage door style on a chain).
Extreme friendly hitting rope barrier across opening then asking Z to stand sideways next to rope. Success!
Extreme friendly by arena ramp entry doors to gain confidence for open gate task.
Freestyle
Figure 8 walk and trot. Working on exaggerating my position so I move my body and she can feel it. Making progress with the turns.
Canter to left - after she bolted. In order for me to gain confidence with faster movement. She tires quickly but I'm remembering to reward her for going into a trot or walk rather than going faster. One canter to right, still quite unbalanced.
Open gate - used carrot stick end to pull half door open a few inches. Yahoo, Zaina not worried. Shut it then just sat and rested. Major success.
June 28, 2013
Online
HQ yield, near an obstacle. Stick to me, and backing. Extreme Friendly Game inside, with ruckus happening outside where Z could see, and on the observation seating area.
Freestyle
Figure 8, canter to left.
June 30, 2013
Online
Squeeze over raised pole - walk and trot, no issues!!!!
Sideways, not moving my feet - excellent.
Freestyle
Figure 8 trot
Canter to left 1 1/2 circles before breaking.
Open gate - ABLE TO OPEN HALF-DOOR TO ARENA 1/4 WAY WITHOUT ZAINA GETTING AT ALL WORRIED. THEN SHE TOOK THE INITIATIVE TO CLOSE IT WITH HER NOSE!!!!
New stable!
Fawn's Lessons: "yes" not "go"; flow; 1.5 seconds response; intimate space.
Notes from Ron Pyne's*** PEI clinic: move laterally or back after stopping, not straight immediately; end pattern clearly by taking one step back.
Savvy Club DVD #74 Major keystone dvds with Linda being a true master. Much more horse sensitive. Incredible learning.
OPENING A GATE
So much has happened this month. So much positive change with the move. Zaina "calmest horse in the barn". Me, chilling out. After 3 1/2 years of Zaina being an hour away, having her within 30 minutes is beyond delightful. The natural horsemanship of Equine Estates has done wonders for Zaina, helping her to very quickly adjust to the move and developing an inner zen. All the Parelli learning opportunities this month, more opportunities to play with Zaina, and a shift in atmosphere have made for huge progress. Time to move on to level 3 riding.
Goals for next month:
Audition video
Asking questions
June 1, 2013
First full day new home. Arrived to find Zaina calmly eating her hay outside. She wasn't worried, pretty blase about my arrival. First time with various moves where she hasn't been anxious during this early days.
"A" came to visit and we had a great time. Cleaned up the paddock, "A" groomed Z, played with the treat ball. We went for grass. Zaina chilled the whole time. Nice.
June 2, 2013
Had a short play session today, to start getting Zaina's mind focused on me despite the distractions of having new horse neighbours. HQ yield (needed lots of repetition before she was connected to me with this task), figure 8 trot (very good - 12 ft line), weave 3 obstacles at walk and trot - excellent. Great short and successful time. Grass reward.
June 4, 2013 ONLINE
First time in the new barn indoor. Other horses outside. Zaina a bit worried but also curious. No calling, so separation not a big deal. This is a HUGE change from the last moves. I'm thinking she's thinking I'm a worthwhile partner?
Her worries did enable a GREAT figure 8 on the 12 foot line. Trotting on the change of direction which we've never had before! Did a lot of sideways along the arena walls to explore. FQ yields to develop connection.
Horse came in for a lesson, big folding door opened - WOWSER said Zaina. Big French Canadian trotted in. WOWSER said Zaina. Put her on a small circle and she was able to mostly stay unemotional, as she showed off her beautiful trot. When she got worried she started to disengage herself.
June 5, 2013
Foot Trim.
Zaina worried during trim because in the barn without other horses, and none in sight. Took me too long to figure out what was the problem. Used the red light, thinking it might be soreness. It did help though to relax her. Hadn't seen this much ADD from her for a long time, so had forgotten what it can be like. Need to up the play session intensity now, in order to get her mind active and more focused on me.
June 7, 2013
Online: Finally getting back in the groove after the big move. 22' Line, trot figure 8, sideways fast along the wall (making it a game - move those hind legs or I'm gonna get'ya!), sideways without a fence, using the rope on ground then asking her to move sideways toward me to reverse direction. Super cool, as she was very responsive. Circling, walk - trot -canter. She likes the footing, as not slippy and deep so she picked up a beautiful canter and kept it with calmness to the left. Worried about going to the right so rewarded small tries.
Freestyle
Round pen - super cool. Walked and then trotted, and did changes of direction through a figure 8. When she worried I used an indirect rein to change direction, only had to do it a couple of times at the beginning of the ride. We were both smiling during that trot!
Zaina much more relaxed today when inside without the other horses. Waited patiently while I chatted, and didn't get worried when other horses were going out. Chilled.
June 9, 2013
Nine days into June and have been with Z 6 times! She continues to be a calmer, more confident horse. The handling at the barn is super for her. She's not worried, no more separation anxiety it seems. Very very different horse.
Online
22ft line - weave at walk, longer distance. Excellent.
Squeeze over folded tarp with one end raised on cavaletti block: skeptical, but stepped over, next time, more confident and stepped onto tarp.
Circling: beautiful trot, roller nose sounds happening!. Canter to right - helping her develop confidence.
Freestyle - Whole Arena!!
Zaina very much wanted to play the corners game - curious!
Walked, developing her confidence with the open spaces, and getting closer to the rail. By not pushing her to the rail, but letting her look and pushing away soon she was happily on the rail.
TROTTED! Circle, weave, on the rail.
June 10, 2013
On inspiration zipped out to see Zaina! Left at 2:15, home by 5. WOW. Super time. Super horse. Loving it.
Online
In the paddock, squeeze between cavaletti blocks. Then Sideways toward. Very very difficult for Z as she starts to go over. But got some steps toward. Lots of time to develop.
7 games in outdoor ring. Big thrill - Zaina interested in going in to big wet area in ring, even to deeper part!!! All very good.
Freestyle
Outside for first time at new place, so no carrot stick riding. Footing wet. Very surprised at Zaina's calmness.
Walk and trot on the rail, big serpentines. Tiring for Zaina, as footing is wet, and there's a slope, so she needs to work hard and its warm. Definitely LBI today!
So neat with her calmness. Perfect progress. Amazing.
June 11, 2013 ONLINE
Things are just getting better and better.
Walk, trot, canter circling game. To the right MUCH better. When returned to go to the right after a break from the left she started to PLAY. Four off the flour jump and buck! Then she sort of nibbled at the rope on the ground - getting left brainy!
Weave - 22foot line trot, from farther distance. Zaina super connected. On one of the circuits we miscued so I stopped, and she did, she knew to back up and walk around the obstacle. Toooooo cooooool. She knew the pattern, knew she'd missed the pattern, knew how to go back and fix the pattern!!!!!
Then, after a rest while I chatted she got bored and decided that she needed to do a canter game, so we used the obstacles for a canter figure 8 with simple changes. I love it when her idea goes beyond what I thought we could do!
June 13, 2013
UDT with grooming and grass munching during an opportunity to share time with a pal. Then a few minutes of liberty in Zaina's paddock. Haven't done liberty for ages and asking for liberty was iffy given we hadn't done much to establish rapport, so I thought. But she was with me, even though also really wanted to be "free". Played stick to me, with changes of direction, backing, squeeze, and move towards me sideways. Zaina, you always bring a smile to my face.
June 14, 2013
Online
Weave at the walk, 22' line - Excellent
Sideways along rope on ground - Very good.
Circling - canter to right, getting better.
Freestyle
Nervous today at the start, with horses going out and the rain. I was able to help her become confident doing figure 8s and indirect rein so she was disengaging. Starting to round her back at the trot, making it very very smooth.
Developed game of having her focus on obstacle by using focus, which helped with circling. Terrific ride. Big smiles.
June 15 & 16 Audited Fawn's Lessons with Barb, and Barb & Ada
Lots of learning. Tons of notes
- Intimate Space
- Extreme Friendly Game
- "yes" not "do it"
- driving game to back up PPG when phase 2 not enough
June 17, 2013
Online:
Incorporating techniques and strategies learned from auditing Fawn's lessons on the weekend. "Yes" instead of "do it" with support of the stick - made a BIG difference to Zaina's attitude with a squeeze, more quickly being confidant.
Extreme friendly game, and friendly game ambush also helping out.
Freestyle
Yehaa! Zaina had fire in her feet today. Lots of calling to other horses. Used Extreme Friendly Game by hitting stick on arena wall and my helmet as we rode - something I wouldn't have dared to do with energy before. Lots of short serpentines to help her get unemotional. Figure 8s and weave going well, including at trot.
She picked up a canter at one point to the left and it was good, although I become worried. Asked for it to the right for a bit, still choppy but she's getting more confident with her feet in that direction.
Stand by the gate and seating area - when she didn't want to stay still left and did lots of fast trotting, then back for a rest. Seems to be helping.
Finished the ride feeling great. Very happy that I can now stay with her at higher speed and am worrying less.
June 18, 2013
Ada's Fawn Lesson (playing with Teddy)
Ada had a two hour private lesson, on line topped off with liberty.
- Positioning
- Stick handling to eliminate "noise" and to be clear on where energy is being directed.
- Being particular (without being critical) gains leadership points.
- Circling send: are you blocking with the direction of your weighted foot?
- HQ Yield - don't pop up until have 2 eyes and no bum.
- FQ Yield - if drifting forward send backwards; don't stop asking until have crossover.
Online
Friendly game in the round pen with Ada helping by making a commotion in the "cynical" areas.
Ada circling Z walk and trot using techniques learned from Fawn Anderson***.
Treat ball with Ada being the leader and helping Zaina develop emotional fitness. Z showing excellent confidence with the treat ball.
Ada doing turns on HQ with front feet on tarp. Zaina getting worried, and Ada letting her move off the tarp but still asking for yield - Good Job Ada!
My circling Z at the canter to the right, continuing to develop her confidence with the footing.
Freestyle
Passenger lesson at the walk. Wonderful to be able to do this in a secure area. Zaina doing some sort of big shoulder push turns, so I got to practice my position.
Trotting - working on my position, with head and chest up. Some sitting trot. Really just having a fun time with moving.
Sideways to the fence - developing confidence for opening the gate. Zaina MUCH MUCH better with moving her body to the fence. Some nice big steps from her toward the fence - she's starting to be a partner with this task.
June 23, 2013
Using strategies learned from Barb's notes on Ron Pyne's*** clinic in PEI. Especially helpful was to move sideways or back after stopping rather than going straight immediately. End pattern clearly by doing one step back up.
Online
Sideways over rope (to the right) - VERY good
Backing over pole - excellent. Worked on it in stages, and on the 3rd "go" Z went over it smoothly, stopped after back legs and waited. Then brought her forward. Getting flow, phase 1 response.
Circling over rope on ground. She's now stepping on it instead of leaping or worrying over so I guess it's time to move on!
Freestyle
Figure 8 at trot with Carrot Stick. Breaking it down with walk and trot. Using the CS more correctly to assist with the turns. Turn still difficult to the left but I'm improving my position so getting better. When changed the size so much bigger figure 8 was easier for Zaina and much smother.
Lots of sideways with goal of standing sideways next to the gate. Used grass as a reward. Initially required a lot of persistence and lots of reward (by leaving and doing something else). Then a major breakthrough, moving sideways without wiggling to face it or away from it! Time to quit for the day!
June 25, 2013 Online
Hot day, so just taking it easy doing a couple things.
FH Yield - taking just one step. Getting better. Starting to understand that rub means stop. My timing is getting better with backing her if she goes forward.
Sideways over pole, going to the right. I played extreme friendly game in the vicinity when she was worried - running string through bushes and the like (that's extreme for Z given the situation). After that she was confident.
Going over pole propped on one cavaletti block. Extreme friendly with block (rubbing my foot on it) as she got excited at the sound of the pole rubbing it when she knocked it on way over. This helped A Lot!
Really enjoy doing a few things with more precision and looking for her confidence rather than lots of stuff to get it done.
June 26, 2013
Online
Extreme friendly going up ramp to arena. Very helpful for settling her worries. Able to halt calmly before proceeding.
Extreme friendly just by opening big arena door (garage door style on a chain).
Extreme friendly hitting rope barrier across opening then asking Z to stand sideways next to rope. Success!
Extreme friendly by arena ramp entry doors to gain confidence for open gate task.
Freestyle
Figure 8 walk and trot. Working on exaggerating my position so I move my body and she can feel it. Making progress with the turns.
Canter to left - after she bolted. In order for me to gain confidence with faster movement. She tires quickly but I'm remembering to reward her for going into a trot or walk rather than going faster. One canter to right, still quite unbalanced.
Open gate - used carrot stick end to pull half door open a few inches. Yahoo, Zaina not worried. Shut it then just sat and rested. Major success.
June 28, 2013
Online
HQ yield, near an obstacle. Stick to me, and backing. Extreme Friendly Game inside, with ruckus happening outside where Z could see, and on the observation seating area.
Freestyle
Figure 8, canter to left.
June 30, 2013
Online
Squeeze over raised pole - walk and trot, no issues!!!!
Sideways, not moving my feet - excellent.
Freestyle
Figure 8 trot
Canter to left 1 1/2 circles before breaking.
Open gate - ABLE TO OPEN HALF-DOOR TO ARENA 1/4 WAY WITHOUT ZAINA GETTING AT ALL WORRIED. THEN SHE TOOK THE INITIATIVE TO CLOSE IT WITH HER NOSE!!!!
Friday, May 10, 2013
May 2013
Highlights: May 7 - trotting without reins! May 31, move to new stable!
May 3, 2013
Online:
4' telescoping pole 1st use, friendly game no issues. Very very light to use, it's a refining tool. Helps me use my body energy more. Z likes the pole communication - less "static" I think, compared to CS & S. Easy to switch hands quickly for Figure 8, and when running.
3 ground pole squeeze, set close, walking. bit sticky going to left on 3rd pole. I was able to progress by moving farther away.
Point to Point - developing more coonnection.
Figure 8. trot - REALLY GOOD. I'm progressing with my position, working at staying in my hula hoop. I was nicely surprised at how good it went with the pole,really thought I'd need to CS & S.
Freestyle - pole nice to carry while riding, very light, easy to switch hands.
Better small circles at walk. Great Follow the Rail.
Trotting - I was worried we'd have to abort as lots of wind noise and people sounds were worrying Z, but I was able to develop calmness for both of us using the cloverleaf pattern. Then even more surprising was able to move on to 20 metre (or so) circling. MUCH better than last time - calm throughout and my body position was more effective and she was more responsive. I quite when the calmness was achieved and maintained, only going to the right.
LIBERTY
Hadn't done liberty for ages as have been focusing on rewarding freestyle calmness by quitting. Stick to me, move toward me sideways, asked to walk over single ground pole. All going very nicely. She wanted to stay by door because of wanting to go outside, but she stayed mostly connected and responsive.
May 5, 2013
ONLINE
Outside play in ring, first of season - FLIES!
Point to point, backing from jump block to jump block - quite straight! more confidant.
Squeeze over tarp, stop and wait. Can stop from going on, can wait, but not able to stop going off.
FREESTYLE - inside, fly free!
Practiced indirect rein - have confused her between this and lateral flexion, so lots of time spent clarifying. Also, lateral flexion to stop was weak, so had lots of opportunities to practice.
Trotted over pole and used indirect rein to turn and wait. Calm trotting over.
Great walk on rail.
Sideways between wall and one jump pole. Worried, especially going to right, but I didn't "make" her do it, but did circles and returned. After a couple of circles she did it completely relaxed, SUPER smooth. Quit as big reward.
May 7, 2013
Tons of flies, biting. Z's left ear a big bloody mess. She let me clean it out and drench her in first of the season fly chemical warfare.
Online:
Squeeze over tarp developing confidence with halting as walk off. Getting better.
Point to Point new target.
Backing straight online from a distance, me in zone 2.
Freestyle:
Really improved circling at walk and figure 8.
THEN TROTTING WITHOUT REINS! Sublime, partnership - never imagined it could happen for me and Z! Great place to quit for the day and have a grass eating session.
May 8, 2013
Lots of undemanding time while munching on grass.
Then some play outside, stick to me with changes of direction.
Lots of backing.
Friendly game with gate as squeeze.
May 9, 2013
Online:
Point to Point.
Backing from zone 2 at a distance.
Lots of tarp play. Improved confidence coming of the tarp.
Freestyle
Trotted figure 8!
Too much go for trotting without reins, but instead cantered! Too left, kept my seat and able to move my arms with her!!!! 2 circles and quit.
Liberty
Stick to me with changes of direction.
Sideways towards me.
Touch it with tarp.
May 12, 2013
Online:
Point to Point, backing, halting as come off tarp (increasing confidence), carwash - return after long absence. First "go" very emotional but quickly disengaged and calmed. Second go MUCH better. Still a bit rushy but not as charged up, so quit at that improvement.
Freestyle:
Filming for videocoaching:
lateral flexion at halt, walk to halt and trot to halt.
Indirect and direct reins.
Follow the rail (walk).
Stormy day, so trot was less then calm (no reinless trot today!). I find it disconcerting to NOT be focusing on a pattern, and my lack of focus is not helpful for Zaina. Still, great improvement on figure 8 and circling, with loops for direct rein smooth.
May 18, 2013
Online only today, more effort into developing confidence
Halt part way off tarp. Getting better!
Flank rope. Haven't done for ages. SOOOOO much improved with confidence. Let me hang the rope around hocks and put pressure on while asking to stand still. First go at turning toward me got emotional, but second one was calm.
Backing toward tarp. Crooked, but I didn't worry about it, and got improved straightness as developed.
Friendly game with tarp - wearing the tarp, almost covering head. Lots of communication from her "enough! off" without much emotion, so that's a big deal.
Car wash: To left, went through calmly with plastic hanging down to her shoulder.
To right - emotional 2x, then much on 3rd. Knowing when to quit!
May 21, 2013 My Birthday!
Lots of backing today. Her confidence has really grown. She backed into a corner area, and put one foot over a pole. Also backed, with lots of support, toward the wooden board, and put both hind feet on it. Waited calmly coming off the board after walking on with front feet. Wore tarp, better over her ears. Developed FQ yield, expecting her not to run. Flank rope excellent - able to drop hold of lead and put pressure on flanks but she's waiting, rather than running. Lots of treats! Halting beside tarp hung up on fence - then friendly game, that was worrisome, so more friendly game hitting the tarp with the string - she settled!
May 24, 2013
Focusing on improving calmness at the basics.
FQ yield, continuing to develop moving with me not running away. Taking time but it's happening. Licking and chewing going on.
Reviewed lead by front and back leg.
Flank rope. Excellent responsiveness today. Waiting rather than reacting.
Backing between cavaletti blocks - with going to grass as reward. That worked really well. Was able to go back to the blocks 3 times, each time moving them closer. Even though she was a bit worried, she stayed connected and worked through her worries.
She helped me put the cavaletti blocks away - I wrapped them around the end of the line and we both pulled them (mostly me) across the sand. She was VERY calm.
Red light day today (wellness) to bring up her immune system. Got a lot of licking and chewing and peacefulness.
FQ yield with waiting, improving.
Squeeze onto board on crusher dust, and WAIT. Hard to wait with grass on the other side, but eventually calm on and calm off with waiting.
Friendly game with tarp on jump standard with CS swatting. Moving closer, staying calmer.
Backed into corner and over pole - SUPER.
May 29, 2013
Red light day today (wellness) to bring up her immune system. Got a lot of licking and chewing and peacefulness.
FQ yield with waiting, improving.
Squeeze onto board on crusher dust, and WAIT. Hard to wait with grass on the other side, but eventually calm on and calm off with waiting.
Friendly game with tarp on jump standard with CS swatting. Moving closer, staying calmer.
Backed into corner and over pole - SUPER.
May 31, 2013
MOVING DAY
Move to EE stables in Mount Uniacke, 30 minutes from home. Zaina fairly confident and curious about getting on the trailer, not confident staying on.
Arrived in good shape. Settled in wonderfully. Happy.
May 3, 2013
Online:
4' telescoping pole 1st use, friendly game no issues. Very very light to use, it's a refining tool. Helps me use my body energy more. Z likes the pole communication - less "static" I think, compared to CS & S. Easy to switch hands quickly for Figure 8, and when running.
3 ground pole squeeze, set close, walking. bit sticky going to left on 3rd pole. I was able to progress by moving farther away.
Point to Point - developing more coonnection.
Figure 8. trot - REALLY GOOD. I'm progressing with my position, working at staying in my hula hoop. I was nicely surprised at how good it went with the pole,really thought I'd need to CS & S.
Freestyle - pole nice to carry while riding, very light, easy to switch hands.
Better small circles at walk. Great Follow the Rail.
Trotting - I was worried we'd have to abort as lots of wind noise and people sounds were worrying Z, but I was able to develop calmness for both of us using the cloverleaf pattern. Then even more surprising was able to move on to 20 metre (or so) circling. MUCH better than last time - calm throughout and my body position was more effective and she was more responsive. I quite when the calmness was achieved and maintained, only going to the right.
LIBERTY
Hadn't done liberty for ages as have been focusing on rewarding freestyle calmness by quitting. Stick to me, move toward me sideways, asked to walk over single ground pole. All going very nicely. She wanted to stay by door because of wanting to go outside, but she stayed mostly connected and responsive.
May 5, 2013
ONLINE
Outside play in ring, first of season - FLIES!
Point to point, backing from jump block to jump block - quite straight! more confidant.
Squeeze over tarp, stop and wait. Can stop from going on, can wait, but not able to stop going off.
FREESTYLE - inside, fly free!
Practiced indirect rein - have confused her between this and lateral flexion, so lots of time spent clarifying. Also, lateral flexion to stop was weak, so had lots of opportunities to practice.
Trotted over pole and used indirect rein to turn and wait. Calm trotting over.
Great walk on rail.
Sideways between wall and one jump pole. Worried, especially going to right, but I didn't "make" her do it, but did circles and returned. After a couple of circles she did it completely relaxed, SUPER smooth. Quit as big reward.
May 7, 2013
Tons of flies, biting. Z's left ear a big bloody mess. She let me clean it out and drench her in first of the season fly chemical warfare.
Online:
Squeeze over tarp developing confidence with halting as walk off. Getting better.
Point to Point new target.
Backing straight online from a distance, me in zone 2.
Freestyle:
Really improved circling at walk and figure 8.
THEN TROTTING WITHOUT REINS! Sublime, partnership - never imagined it could happen for me and Z! Great place to quit for the day and have a grass eating session.
May 8, 2013
Lots of undemanding time while munching on grass.
Then some play outside, stick to me with changes of direction.
Lots of backing.
Friendly game with gate as squeeze.
May 9, 2013
Online:
Point to Point.
Backing from zone 2 at a distance.
Lots of tarp play. Improved confidence coming of the tarp.
Freestyle
Trotted figure 8!
Too much go for trotting without reins, but instead cantered! Too left, kept my seat and able to move my arms with her!!!! 2 circles and quit.
Liberty
Stick to me with changes of direction.
Sideways towards me.
Touch it with tarp.
May 12, 2013
Online:
Point to Point, backing, halting as come off tarp (increasing confidence), carwash - return after long absence. First "go" very emotional but quickly disengaged and calmed. Second go MUCH better. Still a bit rushy but not as charged up, so quit at that improvement.
Freestyle:
Filming for videocoaching:
lateral flexion at halt, walk to halt and trot to halt.
Indirect and direct reins.
Follow the rail (walk).
Stormy day, so trot was less then calm (no reinless trot today!). I find it disconcerting to NOT be focusing on a pattern, and my lack of focus is not helpful for Zaina. Still, great improvement on figure 8 and circling, with loops for direct rein smooth.
May 18, 2013
Online only today, more effort into developing confidence
Halt part way off tarp. Getting better!
Flank rope. Haven't done for ages. SOOOOO much improved with confidence. Let me hang the rope around hocks and put pressure on while asking to stand still. First go at turning toward me got emotional, but second one was calm.
Backing toward tarp. Crooked, but I didn't worry about it, and got improved straightness as developed.
Friendly game with tarp - wearing the tarp, almost covering head. Lots of communication from her "enough! off" without much emotion, so that's a big deal.
Car wash: To left, went through calmly with plastic hanging down to her shoulder.
To right - emotional 2x, then much on 3rd. Knowing when to quit!
May 21, 2013 My Birthday!
Lots of backing today. Her confidence has really grown. She backed into a corner area, and put one foot over a pole. Also backed, with lots of support, toward the wooden board, and put both hind feet on it. Waited calmly coming off the board after walking on with front feet. Wore tarp, better over her ears. Developed FQ yield, expecting her not to run. Flank rope excellent - able to drop hold of lead and put pressure on flanks but she's waiting, rather than running. Lots of treats! Halting beside tarp hung up on fence - then friendly game, that was worrisome, so more friendly game hitting the tarp with the string - she settled!
May 24, 2013
Focusing on improving calmness at the basics.
FQ yield, continuing to develop moving with me not running away. Taking time but it's happening. Licking and chewing going on.
Reviewed lead by front and back leg.
Flank rope. Excellent responsiveness today. Waiting rather than reacting.
Backing between cavaletti blocks - with going to grass as reward. That worked really well. Was able to go back to the blocks 3 times, each time moving them closer. Even though she was a bit worried, she stayed connected and worked through her worries.
She helped me put the cavaletti blocks away - I wrapped them around the end of the line and we both pulled them (mostly me) across the sand. She was VERY calm.
Red light day today (wellness) to bring up her immune system. Got a lot of licking and chewing and peacefulness.
FQ yield with waiting, improving.
Squeeze onto board on crusher dust, and WAIT. Hard to wait with grass on the other side, but eventually calm on and calm off with waiting.
Friendly game with tarp on jump standard with CS swatting. Moving closer, staying calmer.
Backed into corner and over pole - SUPER.
May 29, 2013
Red light day today (wellness) to bring up her immune system. Got a lot of licking and chewing and peacefulness.
FQ yield with waiting, improving.
Squeeze onto board on crusher dust, and WAIT. Hard to wait with grass on the other side, but eventually calm on and calm off with waiting.
Friendly game with tarp on jump standard with CS swatting. Moving closer, staying calmer.
Backed into corner and over pole - SUPER.
May 31, 2013
MOVING DAY
Move to EE stables in Mount Uniacke, 30 minutes from home. Zaina fairly confident and curious about getting on the trailer, not confident staying on.
Arrived in good shape. Settled in wonderfully. Happy.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
APRIL 2013
HIGHLIGHTS: ZAINA 17 YEARS OLD ON APRIL 16! CALM CALM CALM TROT ON APRIL 19!
April 2, 2013
Online: Very soft. Progressed with the Squeeze, raising the 3 side by side poles on one end, onto a cavaletti block, walk only - how much SMARTER I'm being to limit the increase in difficulty one notch only. PP HQ yield to the right, becoming a ball. Circling - great progress to the right, with THREE calm canter rotations.
Freestyle:
Waiting for stand still emotionally while saddling important. Makes a difference.
Had reviewed savvy club dvd #44 rein positions. Realized how RUDE I have been in the use of my reins. Big change today, as I was more polite. During the ride we were CONVERSING!!!! First time I've ever had a conversation with a horse while riding.
BIG change from last two sessions, with Z calm at walk and trot. Set up question box, which is no longer a squeeze threat to her. She's asking questions now, during the ride (This way?)
Her calmness gave me the confidence to quickly move to cantering. Lovely. Very responsive to left. To right, she tried and tried and finally went into the canter. It was not good - perhaps disunited (I hope so, rather than a physical issue). Biggest deal was that she did not get emotional despite being unbalanced, but really tried to give me what I was asking. Went back to left, and over 2 times at it, it improved 10% from previous session. QUIT!
April 5, 2013
Continued squeeze over 3 poles raised at one end, PP on HQ really improved toward ball on water; circling to left terrific 6 in each gait THEN MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR releases!!!! Somewhere super stressed by circling, or perhaps something else but circle allowed relaxation? Took a break by playing sideways which she can do very well. Then circling to right - very hesitant to move away from me. I was very politely persistent and got 6 walk and 6 trot rotations, then 3 beautiful canters. Best canters to right on line in ages. One big yawn release.
Freestyle
Excellent saddling. Concerned about the video camera, but I was able to politely keep her attention. VERY responsive to body weight for direction, so almost no rein needed except when near video camera. Very nice relaxation in the question box. Easy picking up canter to left, for 3 circles. Then going right - she DEMANDED a canter, after 2 circles I could feel her wanting to do the transition so I just let her by making sure I sat back and released the reins. OFF WE WENT!!!!! Incredible. I brought her down after 11/2 circles because I was getting worried. ALL THIS DESPITE BIG WINDS KNOCKING AT THE DOORS AND COVERALL.
April 7, 2013
Catching Game
Stayed with her pal over fence while grooming at liberty. As soon as I picked up the halter she came over and caught me! Intersting....
Online
Trot over raised poles, to the left only.
Circle. Left terrific. Right canter got emotional. I let her work it out, then had a BIG rest. Then asked for one circle W, T, C. Very calm - savvy strategy!
Freestyle
Carrot stick walk and trot. Walk on casual rein. At trot - wasn't knocking myself with stick - means my position is better! Figure 8 at walk and trot. Then more canter. Position better, able to stick to the seat now and again. Going right, was able to get my outside leg back, into position, with put me in better overall position. Very very nice.
Practiced stand still going into paddock, getting permission to eat, first with hay then with apples. Was difficult for her, especially waiting to get into paddock. Will be interesting to see outcome.
April 14, 2013
OnLine:
Point to Point length of arena - practicing stand still emotionally.
Squeeze - refused obstacle 2x, so, smarter than before, changed the task and used the jump as a resting spot - mmmm, she thought that was WEIRD but good!
3 ground poles squeeze to develop hq, at trot - another opportunity to develop stand still emotionally.
Circling - better 1st responsibility. Calmness.
Freestyle
Walking developing my body communication.
Corners game - stand still em0tionally
At trot - flying, put her on cloverleaf (1/4) and she relaxed, at which point stopped to reward.
April 16, 2013
Zaina's 17th birthday today. It was "A"'s day to play with her so we focused on celebrating Zaina's wonderfulness by having a major grooming session, including braiding. Added to that an online hack to go for grazing.
April 19, 2013
ONLINE
Squeeze over 3 ground poles 2nd session. Introverted today, so lots of wait time. Not able to face the squeeze during the wait.
Point to point at trot, and to stay facing "it" - major improvement in sticking to me at the trot and maintaining direction when at "it".
HQ yield - much much more positive in response!
FREESTYLE
MAJOR MAJOR breakthrough with trot. Absolutely calm from the get go, despite the wind. Changes of direction, halts, all wonderful!
Didn't expect this calmness, so wasn't all that sure how to ride it!
April 21, 2013
Online:
Walked the squeeze, then played sideways around it - starting to get "ah ha" moments from her in understanding that I'm asking for sideways and not forwards.
Point to Point at trot, more improvement on sticking to me at trot.
Freestyle
Second calm trot day. Able to sustain cloverleaf pattern at trot, and to use CS after warm up trot. CS is keeping my outside shoulder back so better able to use my body properly. Keeping weight in outside heel on turns REALLY helps indicate direction I WANT to go in.
Big deal - played "stand still emotionally" next to tape fence divider in arena; came and went in small circles three times (it's not about standing here), then was able to pick up hat and jacket off jump standard. Little jump from Z when she touched the jacket with her nose but then back to being calm!!!!! Put on and took off jacket. Big deal because was hubby's jacket, so large and noisier than mine. Also touched her with it zone 2 and 4.
April 23, 2013
Very simple day - less is more, now.
Online
Sideways (much better understanding, and clearly happier at her success), then figure 8 on 45' line. My positioning is much better and my responsiveness. Z less reactive, more thinking. Last circle toward me sticky but she's able to come around the last obstacle, just wants to keep going.
No obstacles today, as too tired to move them but also wanted to provide break from that task.
Freestyle
Warmed up at the trot with the cloverleaf pattern (our very best friend) and then the figure 8. She gave a few jumps and big worries because of the wind (when will it f'n stop!), but I was able to keep calm and remind her of her responsibilities. She would get very relaxed at the trot when I could manage to rest my rein hand on her withers. Really really hard for me, but clearly something important. I was even able to do sitting trot for a fair bit.
I could trot 1.5 of the figure 8 with one rein, but I didn't try it with the carrot stick. Coming back to the centre after the second rotation was not going to easily happen and I quit when she started paying more attention to that as a possibility versus the banging wall. So, same issue of returning to centre as online.
I was smart enough not to ask her to stand quietly by a jump standard in imitation of the previous session's success.
April 25, 2013
OnLine:
Project - obstacles. Walked over. Happy to look at it. Point to Point - sooooo good at staying in harmony with me. Figure 8 - once I became clearer and positively persistent, at trot!
Freestyle:
Ride 4 calm trot. Today figure 8 with the carrot stick. Also corners game - very calm. I think she's liking this trotting stuff now.
April 27, 2013 Videocoaching
3rd Videocoaching Segment With Genevieve Benoit
Squeeze Game - need to focus on emotional and mental before physical.
The cavaletti I set up to help her physically won't work unless she's relaxed going over, so shorten distance and decrease number of poles, slowly increase both.
This was permission to do NOT DO the traditional cavaletti spacing and numbers.
Plus a warning that doing them on a circle is even more difficult.
A big reminder about the need to break things down rather than assuming that the traditional plan is sacrosanct. I know that, but still forget.
Also, a reminder (because surely I knew this) that horses do NOT have depth perception. Therefore how they see the squeeze is entirely different from the human perspective. They absolutely have to trust the human because they cannot tell that they are not being sent over a cliff or into a trap.
Major learning also about direct rein - to learn, raise arm high and look up to follow arm as opens rein. Puts weight on opposite butt.
April 28, 2013
Online:
Fixing squeeze - clearer intent, less challenging.
Point to Point - excellent stick to me at speed, and waiting
Figure 8 at trot - Improvement, not shooting past me on second turn and better maintain trot
Freestyle
Fixed lateral flexion, indirect rein and direct rein
Squeeze turn and wait as a result better focus, smoother, more polite.
Figure 8 at walk BETTER. Videotaped - need to sit more on balance point, round lower back.
Friendly game open gate simulation with rope, bringing rope toward Z, walking a circle with rope, moving it away from her. In stages, no bracing, no rushing but serious RBI moment.
April 30, 2013
Online:
Point to point with continued connection.
Backing straight from CS driving phases at chest.
Trotting 2 ground poles without worry.
Figure 8 BETTER - now able to push energy toward her shoulder for the change of direction. She said "Yahoo!" So much friendlier than driving Z5.
Freestyle
Developing my leadership skills at the walk with no reins for changes of direction. Using body weight for coming off rail and going toward. No reins but CS support for going sideways - that surprised her! Developing figure 8 at walk - have to remember to keep eyes (chin) up.
At trot, today focusing on gaining calmness through the trot. Activity in the barn worried her, but I was able to regain connection. Working on circles - can do 3/4 good.
End of month - terrific terrific progress at riding.
April 2, 2013
Online: Very soft. Progressed with the Squeeze, raising the 3 side by side poles on one end, onto a cavaletti block, walk only - how much SMARTER I'm being to limit the increase in difficulty one notch only. PP HQ yield to the right, becoming a ball. Circling - great progress to the right, with THREE calm canter rotations.
Freestyle:
Waiting for stand still emotionally while saddling important. Makes a difference.
Had reviewed savvy club dvd #44 rein positions. Realized how RUDE I have been in the use of my reins. Big change today, as I was more polite. During the ride we were CONVERSING!!!! First time I've ever had a conversation with a horse while riding.
BIG change from last two sessions, with Z calm at walk and trot. Set up question box, which is no longer a squeeze threat to her. She's asking questions now, during the ride (This way?)
Her calmness gave me the confidence to quickly move to cantering. Lovely. Very responsive to left. To right, she tried and tried and finally went into the canter. It was not good - perhaps disunited (I hope so, rather than a physical issue). Biggest deal was that she did not get emotional despite being unbalanced, but really tried to give me what I was asking. Went back to left, and over 2 times at it, it improved 10% from previous session. QUIT!
April 5, 2013
Continued squeeze over 3 poles raised at one end, PP on HQ really improved toward ball on water; circling to left terrific 6 in each gait THEN MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR releases!!!! Somewhere super stressed by circling, or perhaps something else but circle allowed relaxation? Took a break by playing sideways which she can do very well. Then circling to right - very hesitant to move away from me. I was very politely persistent and got 6 walk and 6 trot rotations, then 3 beautiful canters. Best canters to right on line in ages. One big yawn release.
Freestyle
Excellent saddling. Concerned about the video camera, but I was able to politely keep her attention. VERY responsive to body weight for direction, so almost no rein needed except when near video camera. Very nice relaxation in the question box. Easy picking up canter to left, for 3 circles. Then going right - she DEMANDED a canter, after 2 circles I could feel her wanting to do the transition so I just let her by making sure I sat back and released the reins. OFF WE WENT!!!!! Incredible. I brought her down after 11/2 circles because I was getting worried. ALL THIS DESPITE BIG WINDS KNOCKING AT THE DOORS AND COVERALL.
April 7, 2013
Catching Game
Stayed with her pal over fence while grooming at liberty. As soon as I picked up the halter she came over and caught me! Intersting....
Online
Trot over raised poles, to the left only.
Circle. Left terrific. Right canter got emotional. I let her work it out, then had a BIG rest. Then asked for one circle W, T, C. Very calm - savvy strategy!
Freestyle
Carrot stick walk and trot. Walk on casual rein. At trot - wasn't knocking myself with stick - means my position is better! Figure 8 at walk and trot. Then more canter. Position better, able to stick to the seat now and again. Going right, was able to get my outside leg back, into position, with put me in better overall position. Very very nice.
Practiced stand still going into paddock, getting permission to eat, first with hay then with apples. Was difficult for her, especially waiting to get into paddock. Will be interesting to see outcome.
April 14, 2013
OnLine:
Point to Point length of arena - practicing stand still emotionally.
Squeeze - refused obstacle 2x, so, smarter than before, changed the task and used the jump as a resting spot - mmmm, she thought that was WEIRD but good!
3 ground poles squeeze to develop hq, at trot - another opportunity to develop stand still emotionally.
Circling - better 1st responsibility. Calmness.
Freestyle
Walking developing my body communication.
Corners game - stand still em0tionally
At trot - flying, put her on cloverleaf (1/4) and she relaxed, at which point stopped to reward.
April 16, 2013
Zaina's 17th birthday today. It was "A"'s day to play with her so we focused on celebrating Zaina's wonderfulness by having a major grooming session, including braiding. Added to that an online hack to go for grazing.
April 19, 2013
ONLINE
Squeeze over 3 ground poles 2nd session. Introverted today, so lots of wait time. Not able to face the squeeze during the wait.
Point to point at trot, and to stay facing "it" - major improvement in sticking to me at the trot and maintaining direction when at "it".
HQ yield - much much more positive in response!
FREESTYLE
MAJOR MAJOR breakthrough with trot. Absolutely calm from the get go, despite the wind. Changes of direction, halts, all wonderful!
Didn't expect this calmness, so wasn't all that sure how to ride it!
April 21, 2013
Online:
Walked the squeeze, then played sideways around it - starting to get "ah ha" moments from her in understanding that I'm asking for sideways and not forwards.
Point to Point at trot, more improvement on sticking to me at trot.
Freestyle
Second calm trot day. Able to sustain cloverleaf pattern at trot, and to use CS after warm up trot. CS is keeping my outside shoulder back so better able to use my body properly. Keeping weight in outside heel on turns REALLY helps indicate direction I WANT to go in.
Big deal - played "stand still emotionally" next to tape fence divider in arena; came and went in small circles three times (it's not about standing here), then was able to pick up hat and jacket off jump standard. Little jump from Z when she touched the jacket with her nose but then back to being calm!!!!! Put on and took off jacket. Big deal because was hubby's jacket, so large and noisier than mine. Also touched her with it zone 2 and 4.
April 23, 2013
Very simple day - less is more, now.
Online
Sideways (much better understanding, and clearly happier at her success), then figure 8 on 45' line. My positioning is much better and my responsiveness. Z less reactive, more thinking. Last circle toward me sticky but she's able to come around the last obstacle, just wants to keep going.
No obstacles today, as too tired to move them but also wanted to provide break from that task.
Freestyle
Warmed up at the trot with the cloverleaf pattern (our very best friend) and then the figure 8. She gave a few jumps and big worries because of the wind (when will it f'n stop!), but I was able to keep calm and remind her of her responsibilities. She would get very relaxed at the trot when I could manage to rest my rein hand on her withers. Really really hard for me, but clearly something important. I was even able to do sitting trot for a fair bit.
I could trot 1.5 of the figure 8 with one rein, but I didn't try it with the carrot stick. Coming back to the centre after the second rotation was not going to easily happen and I quit when she started paying more attention to that as a possibility versus the banging wall. So, same issue of returning to centre as online.
I was smart enough not to ask her to stand quietly by a jump standard in imitation of the previous session's success.
April 25, 2013
OnLine:
Project - obstacles. Walked over. Happy to look at it. Point to Point - sooooo good at staying in harmony with me. Figure 8 - once I became clearer and positively persistent, at trot!
Freestyle:
Ride 4 calm trot. Today figure 8 with the carrot stick. Also corners game - very calm. I think she's liking this trotting stuff now.
April 27, 2013 Videocoaching
3rd Videocoaching Segment With Genevieve Benoit
Squeeze Game - need to focus on emotional and mental before physical.
The cavaletti I set up to help her physically won't work unless she's relaxed going over, so shorten distance and decrease number of poles, slowly increase both.
This was permission to do NOT DO the traditional cavaletti spacing and numbers.
Plus a warning that doing them on a circle is even more difficult.
A big reminder about the need to break things down rather than assuming that the traditional plan is sacrosanct. I know that, but still forget.
Also, a reminder (because surely I knew this) that horses do NOT have depth perception. Therefore how they see the squeeze is entirely different from the human perspective. They absolutely have to trust the human because they cannot tell that they are not being sent over a cliff or into a trap.
Major learning also about direct rein - to learn, raise arm high and look up to follow arm as opens rein. Puts weight on opposite butt.
April 28, 2013
Online:
Fixing squeeze - clearer intent, less challenging.
Point to Point - excellent stick to me at speed, and waiting
Figure 8 at trot - Improvement, not shooting past me on second turn and better maintain trot
Freestyle
Fixed lateral flexion, indirect rein and direct rein
Squeeze turn and wait as a result better focus, smoother, more polite.
Figure 8 at walk BETTER. Videotaped - need to sit more on balance point, round lower back.
Friendly game open gate simulation with rope, bringing rope toward Z, walking a circle with rope, moving it away from her. In stages, no bracing, no rushing but serious RBI moment.
April 30, 2013
Online:
Point to point with continued connection.
Backing straight from CS driving phases at chest.
Trotting 2 ground poles without worry.
Figure 8 BETTER - now able to push energy toward her shoulder for the change of direction. She said "Yahoo!" So much friendlier than driving Z5.
Freestyle
Developing my leadership skills at the walk with no reins for changes of direction. Using body weight for coming off rail and going toward. No reins but CS support for going sideways - that surprised her! Developing figure 8 at walk - have to remember to keep eyes (chin) up.
At trot, today focusing on gaining calmness through the trot. Activity in the barn worried her, but I was able to regain connection. Working on circles - can do 3/4 good.
End of month - terrific terrific progress at riding.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
MARCH 2013
HIGHLIGHTS: CANTERED!!!!! STAND STILL EMOTIONALLY - which resulted in Z WANTING to canter and not getting emotional during the canter (and same for me, sort of!).
March 2, 2013
Continuing in promise to Zaina to make sessions less direct line and having more in it for her. Deep snow made online hack impossible but we moseyed around outside and I spent a long time on a Masterson massage and red light. Both created relaxation, the latter resulted in a major abdominal release - very interesting.
After setting up toys for play played at liberty. Touch it from 8-12 feet (yahoo!), then circling (mostly Z's idea, but that's okay). She went into a fast canter but was able to disengage. Very exciting for her, she needed to be moving and having this fun. Got herself a bit overwrought though, so used driving game to move her to mounting block to get the halter and she stayed. MUCH improved haltering self.
Stick to me at trot, walk, and canter. Going to right she's more emotional, so stayed longer on this today, including at the canter.
HQ pp game MUCH improved.
Circling game terrific trot AND canter.
Best part - walking and trotting over two ground poles EARS UP!!!!
Ended with asking her to follow me at a walk, me backing. Ears were back, so I'd stop and send her back with a "face". Ears would come forward, I'd ask her to follow me and ears went back. Repeat repeat repeat, ah! Ears forward. How interesting!
March 8, 2013
Focusing on basics in putting together videocoaching material - with big thanks to Barb McL for the camera work. HQ yields, circling - and super confident squeeze over two ground poles. Could even stop her from repeating!
Then to bareback ride, first time. Thanks to Barb McL for being my spotter. Able to walk for about 10 minutes, changing direction and some small circles. Despite the big wind blowing, door moving I was good and Z was amazing. I was able to help keep her attention on me, so I was a good leader and not a predator. She gave lots of deep breaths and licks and chews as we got moving and both relaxing. VERY different feel of my body than in the saddle. I could better work out the tension. Maybe because I KNEW we weren't going to do more than a few minutes of walk and the point was to relax, rather than to "get 'er done."
After this success a short liberty session with stick to me, weave, then super fun circling with change of direction. Zaina in LBE mode for this savvy. For first time on liberty circling we were able to make a real game of choosing the direction, and wonder of wonder my idea became hers!
March 10, 2013
Z caught me half way today, and it was a meaningful catch! Out for grass and grooming. Then some circling, disengagement, and squeeze. Positive ears with ground poles, so made a very low long cross rail and Z walked and trotted over it ears forward!
Liberty broke down as Z had a lot of adrenalin to blow off (part of today she was helping new-to-Parelli folks learn some of the games, and it was a bit stressful for her). After MAJOR gallops, she responded to my request to stop with a bit of CS waving (and I kept my energy super low, which I hadn't realized before that I needed to do this to stop her). Then we had some stick to me, lead by tail, and friendly game. More grooming and bit of new grass to graze on before back to her field and hay.
March 12, 2013
"A" 's play day with Zaina. Circling game walk and trot, with "A" now asking for more obedience on maintaining direction. Took a lot on her part to convince Zaina that she was the leader, but never got emotional about it and Zaina eventually decided to go with her idea. At end of Session went back to this game and Zaina much more responsive.
Lots of stick to me at trot.
Friendly game with rattle and with "cow" which we'll develop into a pulling friendly game.
Backing through chute - from farther away, this made Z worried so worked on developing her confidence with "A" quitting when Z gave a big try in shifting her weight.
"A" making independent decisions and setting Z up for success.
March 15, 2013
Yahoo - rode today, for real! First saddle ride since February 1.
Horses were inside so no catching game. Spent time outside before the play session so that Z could get fresh air, some new grass, and think I'm the best human ever.
Inside, circling and figure 8. Z had to move her feet today so she decided to canter the figure 8. When I asked for the change of direction I needed to run back to the wall to stop her, she did !!!!! Then on the change she did a beautiful piaffe as she angled herself through the obstacles, then made the turn. This kept repeating. I wasn't going to shut her down, as I was so pleased that despite her need for speed she was able to respond to my requests. SUPER!
Weave at trot. Walk is fine, but over-exuberant at the trot. Broke it down into segments and went to phase 4 to explain the game of "stop". That helped A LOT. After about 15 minutes got a nice 4 obstacle trot weave on 22 foot line.
Saddling, no problem at all. I was more efficient, so maybe she was less stressed. Walk and trot, using the obstacles for weave and circle markers. Developing my confidence at the trot. She was wonderful, not charging, and very responsive. On the rail when I asked for moving closer to the wall I got a refusal so I asked for lots of crossing over on a small circle. This made a huge difference to her paying attention to me. Moved from this to large circle using the obstacles and when she felt my leg on her side an ear came back. Much better circling then without my having to steer. Very interesting!
March 19, 2013
"A"'s play day. Apples with the treat ball made it more enticing and Z pushed it accidentally out of the way with her nose. She jumped away when the ball rolled away, but came back for the apple pieces. Strategy today was that she needed to put effort into the activity or Ada would take her to something else, then come back to this one as a reward. It helped to maintain her interest and she developed greater confidence in touching the ball while trying to get the apple pieces.
Stick to me at trot through maze, developing ear's up. Circling game at walk and trot (successful 4 revolutions each gait going to the left; 4 at walk to right, 2 at trot), "A" learning to make a game of it.
Friendly game with CS's in Zone 3, while moving. Surprisingly difficult for Z, and she gave giant yawn of understanding.
Today showed a huge improvement in Zaina's connection to "A" during stick to me at trot.
Focus today was on doing fewer tasks but looking for positive responses from Z. "A" able to understand and develop this, so really working on level 3/4 quality.
March 22, 2013 Video Coaching Session (#2)
Corrections to techniques for:
lateral flexion
circling body position, send zone 1 & 2; have a plan
PPG - quite when moving like a ball
SHAZAM
Stand Still on wait part of squeeze game
Stand still is for everything - watch for emotional stand still and then release.
March 22, 2013 Afternoon Session with Z
Stand still coming out of field
Stand still before having grass
Stand still before entering barn
- before entering stall
Stand still for grooming
- before leaving stall
- before leaving barn
- before entering arena
Set up markers for stand still on squeeze game
- very easy for Zaina to understand; a little impulsive on trot but stand still very effective
Circling
Four walk, trot, canter rotations to left - no stopping, no emotional outbursts
To right, four walk & trot rotations. Canter uproar. Continued to ask without emotion, and changed plan to two canter rotations. Successful. Quit for the day.
After finishing up in stall PUSHED her muzzle into parelli halter!
March 26, 2013
Arrived at barn with plan, and feeling soft. Zaina at far end of field. After set up arena went to field and found she'd come halfway to gate. On entering field she caught me. "You're not a predator today" she told me.
Easy standing still before having grass, entering barn, entering stall.
Positioned herself in stall for grooming and maintained position unless asked to move.
Reminders on leaving stall and barn and entering arena.
PP back like a ball one step so released and lead her rest of way.
Changed squeeze to 3 poles on ground, one length long, blocks at end. Confident going over at walk, reminder to stand still needed going to left but quickly successful.
Circling, 4 of each gait to left. Drew Z in, and kneeled down. Blew her mind, relaxed. Then I took her away to do other stuff - really blew her mind. Trotted over squeeze going to left, stood still.
Circling, 4 walk & trot rotations, asked for 2 complete canters - took 3 tries as was stopping but no blowups.
Saddling no issues, stood still.
Mounting no issues.
Riding - worried throughout. Bad banana. Over reactive. Lots of disengaging. Lots of standing still. Then used turn and face after passing front door. Second time more relaxed walk and wait than first. Third time was best, with only hint of surging forward on turn to face.
Got off and unsaddled. Just waited. When took off hackamore she stayed with me on the spot.
In stall, able to relax while waiting for permission for her apple.
March 29, 2013
Outcome of stand still - despite unhappy ride last session, Z caught me in the field even though she was eating hay. Groomed outside. When she finished hay she stayed with me. Had a moment when she left to have a word with the horses in the next fields, but after she told them "That's my human, she's not a predator" she came back.
Looking for smallest indications of emotional relaxation in order to release.
Trying to remember to release on the same thought (for everything). Was able to do this a couple of times on a game AND IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE.
PP HQ Yield - developing ball on water
Increased difficulty of the squeeze, by putting cavaletti blocks on top of the poles at ends, so narrower and different - just walked through with her. No issues.
Circling - Left (6 w, t, c); Right (6 w, t; one beautiful c so quit with that success!!!!)
Saddling, rope on ground, no issues. Then did it all again when noticed saddle tipping back. Took out shims - means her physique has changed!
Rushing at walk and trot again. Spending lots of time bending to a halt. Nothing changing. Went into a trot faster than she wanted, tripped herself into a canter. It was smooth, I was okay. SO THEN ASKED FOR THE CANTER! Circling to left, 3 then halt, 3 then again!!!!
Laughed and laughed with tears as I got off and hugged and hugged her. Quit for the day on that beautiful successful note. How interesting.
Later, watching mastery segment, of Linda in classroom teaching students about improving canter (getting off forehand) - horse needs to sit back. GETTING IT re why the canter today. Stand Still puts the horse back on haunches emotionally. Incredible.
March 2, 2013
Continuing in promise to Zaina to make sessions less direct line and having more in it for her. Deep snow made online hack impossible but we moseyed around outside and I spent a long time on a Masterson massage and red light. Both created relaxation, the latter resulted in a major abdominal release - very interesting.
After setting up toys for play played at liberty. Touch it from 8-12 feet (yahoo!), then circling (mostly Z's idea, but that's okay). She went into a fast canter but was able to disengage. Very exciting for her, she needed to be moving and having this fun. Got herself a bit overwrought though, so used driving game to move her to mounting block to get the halter and she stayed. MUCH improved haltering self.
Stick to me at trot, walk, and canter. Going to right she's more emotional, so stayed longer on this today, including at the canter.
HQ pp game MUCH improved.
Circling game terrific trot AND canter.
Best part - walking and trotting over two ground poles EARS UP!!!!
Ended with asking her to follow me at a walk, me backing. Ears were back, so I'd stop and send her back with a "face". Ears would come forward, I'd ask her to follow me and ears went back. Repeat repeat repeat, ah! Ears forward. How interesting!
March 8, 2013
Focusing on basics in putting together videocoaching material - with big thanks to Barb McL for the camera work. HQ yields, circling - and super confident squeeze over two ground poles. Could even stop her from repeating!
Then to bareback ride, first time. Thanks to Barb McL for being my spotter. Able to walk for about 10 minutes, changing direction and some small circles. Despite the big wind blowing, door moving I was good and Z was amazing. I was able to help keep her attention on me, so I was a good leader and not a predator. She gave lots of deep breaths and licks and chews as we got moving and both relaxing. VERY different feel of my body than in the saddle. I could better work out the tension. Maybe because I KNEW we weren't going to do more than a few minutes of walk and the point was to relax, rather than to "get 'er done."
After this success a short liberty session with stick to me, weave, then super fun circling with change of direction. Zaina in LBE mode for this savvy. For first time on liberty circling we were able to make a real game of choosing the direction, and wonder of wonder my idea became hers!
March 10, 2013
Z caught me half way today, and it was a meaningful catch! Out for grass and grooming. Then some circling, disengagement, and squeeze. Positive ears with ground poles, so made a very low long cross rail and Z walked and trotted over it ears forward!
Liberty broke down as Z had a lot of adrenalin to blow off (part of today she was helping new-to-Parelli folks learn some of the games, and it was a bit stressful for her). After MAJOR gallops, she responded to my request to stop with a bit of CS waving (and I kept my energy super low, which I hadn't realized before that I needed to do this to stop her). Then we had some stick to me, lead by tail, and friendly game. More grooming and bit of new grass to graze on before back to her field and hay.
March 12, 2013
"A" 's play day with Zaina. Circling game walk and trot, with "A" now asking for more obedience on maintaining direction. Took a lot on her part to convince Zaina that she was the leader, but never got emotional about it and Zaina eventually decided to go with her idea. At end of Session went back to this game and Zaina much more responsive.
Lots of stick to me at trot.
Friendly game with rattle and with "cow" which we'll develop into a pulling friendly game.
Backing through chute - from farther away, this made Z worried so worked on developing her confidence with "A" quitting when Z gave a big try in shifting her weight.
"A" making independent decisions and setting Z up for success.
March 15, 2013
Yahoo - rode today, for real! First saddle ride since February 1.
Horses were inside so no catching game. Spent time outside before the play session so that Z could get fresh air, some new grass, and think I'm the best human ever.
Inside, circling and figure 8. Z had to move her feet today so she decided to canter the figure 8. When I asked for the change of direction I needed to run back to the wall to stop her, she did !!!!! Then on the change she did a beautiful piaffe as she angled herself through the obstacles, then made the turn. This kept repeating. I wasn't going to shut her down, as I was so pleased that despite her need for speed she was able to respond to my requests. SUPER!
Weave at trot. Walk is fine, but over-exuberant at the trot. Broke it down into segments and went to phase 4 to explain the game of "stop". That helped A LOT. After about 15 minutes got a nice 4 obstacle trot weave on 22 foot line.
Saddling, no problem at all. I was more efficient, so maybe she was less stressed. Walk and trot, using the obstacles for weave and circle markers. Developing my confidence at the trot. She was wonderful, not charging, and very responsive. On the rail when I asked for moving closer to the wall I got a refusal so I asked for lots of crossing over on a small circle. This made a huge difference to her paying attention to me. Moved from this to large circle using the obstacles and when she felt my leg on her side an ear came back. Much better circling then without my having to steer. Very interesting!
March 19, 2013
"A"'s play day. Apples with the treat ball made it more enticing and Z pushed it accidentally out of the way with her nose. She jumped away when the ball rolled away, but came back for the apple pieces. Strategy today was that she needed to put effort into the activity or Ada would take her to something else, then come back to this one as a reward. It helped to maintain her interest and she developed greater confidence in touching the ball while trying to get the apple pieces.
Stick to me at trot through maze, developing ear's up. Circling game at walk and trot (successful 4 revolutions each gait going to the left; 4 at walk to right, 2 at trot), "A" learning to make a game of it.
Friendly game with CS's in Zone 3, while moving. Surprisingly difficult for Z, and she gave giant yawn of understanding.
Today showed a huge improvement in Zaina's connection to "A" during stick to me at trot.
Focus today was on doing fewer tasks but looking for positive responses from Z. "A" able to understand and develop this, so really working on level 3/4 quality.
March 22, 2013 Video Coaching Session (#2)
Corrections to techniques for:
lateral flexion
circling body position, send zone 1 & 2; have a plan
PPG - quite when moving like a ball
SHAZAM
Stand Still on wait part of squeeze game
Stand still is for everything - watch for emotional stand still and then release.
March 22, 2013 Afternoon Session with Z
Stand still coming out of field
Stand still before having grass
Stand still before entering barn
- before entering stall
Stand still for grooming
- before leaving stall
- before leaving barn
- before entering arena
Set up markers for stand still on squeeze game
- very easy for Zaina to understand; a little impulsive on trot but stand still very effective
Circling
Four walk, trot, canter rotations to left - no stopping, no emotional outbursts
To right, four walk & trot rotations. Canter uproar. Continued to ask without emotion, and changed plan to two canter rotations. Successful. Quit for the day.
After finishing up in stall PUSHED her muzzle into parelli halter!
March 26, 2013
Arrived at barn with plan, and feeling soft. Zaina at far end of field. After set up arena went to field and found she'd come halfway to gate. On entering field she caught me. "You're not a predator today" she told me.
Easy standing still before having grass, entering barn, entering stall.
Positioned herself in stall for grooming and maintained position unless asked to move.
Reminders on leaving stall and barn and entering arena.
PP back like a ball one step so released and lead her rest of way.
Changed squeeze to 3 poles on ground, one length long, blocks at end. Confident going over at walk, reminder to stand still needed going to left but quickly successful.
Circling, 4 of each gait to left. Drew Z in, and kneeled down. Blew her mind, relaxed. Then I took her away to do other stuff - really blew her mind. Trotted over squeeze going to left, stood still.
Circling, 4 walk & trot rotations, asked for 2 complete canters - took 3 tries as was stopping but no blowups.
Saddling no issues, stood still.
Mounting no issues.
Riding - worried throughout. Bad banana. Over reactive. Lots of disengaging. Lots of standing still. Then used turn and face after passing front door. Second time more relaxed walk and wait than first. Third time was best, with only hint of surging forward on turn to face.
Got off and unsaddled. Just waited. When took off hackamore she stayed with me on the spot.
In stall, able to relax while waiting for permission for her apple.
March 29, 2013
Outcome of stand still - despite unhappy ride last session, Z caught me in the field even though she was eating hay. Groomed outside. When she finished hay she stayed with me. Had a moment when she left to have a word with the horses in the next fields, but after she told them "That's my human, she's not a predator" she came back.
Looking for smallest indications of emotional relaxation in order to release.
Trying to remember to release on the same thought (for everything). Was able to do this a couple of times on a game AND IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE.
PP HQ Yield - developing ball on water
Increased difficulty of the squeeze, by putting cavaletti blocks on top of the poles at ends, so narrower and different - just walked through with her. No issues.
Circling - Left (6 w, t, c); Right (6 w, t; one beautiful c so quit with that success!!!!)
Saddling, rope on ground, no issues. Then did it all again when noticed saddle tipping back. Took out shims - means her physique has changed!
Rushing at walk and trot again. Spending lots of time bending to a halt. Nothing changing. Went into a trot faster than she wanted, tripped herself into a canter. It was smooth, I was okay. SO THEN ASKED FOR THE CANTER! Circling to left, 3 then halt, 3 then again!!!!
Laughed and laughed with tears as I got off and hugged and hugged her. Quit for the day on that beautiful successful note. How interesting.
Later, watching mastery segment, of Linda in classroom teaching students about improving canter (getting off forehand) - horse needs to sit back. GETTING IT re why the canter today. Stand Still puts the horse back on haunches emotionally. Incredible.
Friday, February 1, 2013
FEBRUARY 2013
OVERVIEW
Wow - what a weather month. Only six visits, only one ride. Oh well, at least there were those 7! Catching game went sour but at end of month think the problem is that I've become too direct line, and there's been less "play" in it for her, so made a change to that in last couple of visits.
Barb's beautiful Ben died this month as a result of a strangulated bowel caused by a fatty growth.
Zaina's confidence building on backing and squeeze games.
February 1, 2013
Started this month of with a ride! First time since Zaina's trip and subsequent muscle soreness in mid-November. Went VERY well. I felt in control of my body. Technique from last Mastery dvd was of terrific benefit to help her relax. She offered to trot did so instead of running. I think the new girth is responsible for a lot of the relaxation. Trotting the circle she was really stretching her inside shoulder. I think even her neck was relaxed!
That was the last part of the session. Started with a long and seemingly fruitless catching game inside. Just going in circles with her ending up at the ground pole. However, shows it is the sweet spot, and she did happily walk over it a number of times. Finally, after having a sit and a think, I changed the game. Sent her sideways then onto a circle. Close range walk circle at liberty! One circle, disengaged, then asked again and she did 2 circles. When I disengaged her she caught me!
Online, when asked her to walk over the pole (still on the ground but with a cavaletti block at each end) she did the same hesitation. Sooooo, walks over freely at liberty but not online. I kept steady pressure on the line to let her know what I wanted and she came over, a little worried because of the cavaletti blocks. Repeated a few times, including at the trot, at which point she did mini jumps. Interesting.
Then on 45' line, asked her to move out and trot and canter. She did this willingly and happily! At one point she started to get emotional at the canter but then was able to relax herself. When she stopped cantering I told her she was good, and she looked totally surprised. I'm thinking I've been making her do things, instead of asking.
Short bit of weave play. At the trot when I indicated I wanted her to slow down to turn away from me she stopped right at the cavaletti block! Wow, that is some sensitivity. I gave her lots of praise for being so responsive.
What a terrific start to the month!
February 5, 2013
"A"'s play session. Zaina NOT wanting to catch us outside. She was very intent on eating her hay outside, and did much evading and showing an unwillingness to be caught even when she did stand still. Might be she'd only recently been turned out, and had probably been inside most of the past two days due to the weather. After 20 minutes of playing the catching game, and 10 minutes of us doing energy simulations (April 2009, issue 41 dvd) we just stood by Z as she ate. She slowly let us get closer and rub her. I could then put the rope around her neck, and took it off and let her keep eating. Did this a few times. Slowly she'd let me do this and stay relaxed. When she finished her hay, and didn't react negatively to being approached and touched we put the halter on her. She wasn't resistant to haltering.
Backed part of the way to the arena, which she did quite easily. Phase 2. Still needing lots of breaks and chances to look behind her, but much more trusting.
Inside, played with the treat ball on the mounting block. Z was able to gently push it with the side of her muzzle as she ate carrots near it, and its rolling away didn't frighten her. Great progress!
"A" played friendly games with the kidz stick and plastic bag. Z worried about it but not emotional until Z asked her to trot and rubbed the bag on the wall, but even then once "A" asked her to go sideways she settled. We'll work on this FG more to help Z reach Level 3 confidence.
Circling game, adding trot. Z stopping a lot behind Z and disengaging as coming around shoulder, but this because of "A" figuring out her rope and stick handling technique. Z being very cooperative otherwise and "A" doing an excellent job - oh especially because she was using the adult CS!
Sideways along the wall with "A" keeping her feet still. Got a few steps!!!!!
Then "A" challenged to find an interesting way to move Z to the mounting block. She selected backing in a zig-zag pattern. She did a great job of figuring out what to do, and when to do it. Z fairly confident. As got nearer the block and Z got more worried and was evading, it turned into backing on a circle! "A" able to cause a half rotation.
More fun with the treat ball. Then a bit of FG with the umbrella, stopping when Z didn't turn to face the umbrella as "A" danced around with it approaching Z5.
Whew, what a successful day!
February 7, 2013
Horrid news, that Barb's Ben has died from colic. I had the great pleasure and honour of practising early Parelli skills with him in 2010. I was a failure at engaging this extreme LBE, but he sure taught me a lot about what I had to learn. Barb had to dig deep to learn the patience and strategies for helping him in humansville and was sooo successful. He taught us all a lot, especially about how to be better humans. Rest in peace, Ben, you will never be forgotten.
February 15, 2013
Halfway through the month and this was only my 3rd visit with Zaina. Bad weather and work has interfered! It has been 2 weeks since I saw her last, so was worried that there would be lots to make up for. I was wrong, she had not regressed and either had I.
Catching game though is now still much harder. Keep having to resort to turning it into a liberty play session asking her to move sideways, back, and circle before she will catch me. Maybe this is okay? Will check with Genevieve.
Lots of backing: up the little incline from her field, into the barn, frontward into stall then back out, and back into stall across the aisle. Lightbulb moment - set up stall to be narrower to simulate trailer!
Played on 45' line for entire session. Outdoors at first because arena door frozen shut. HQ yields, almost there.
MUCH better going over pole. Excellent walk, less sticky. Asked to trot over, first one was emotional, but turning and waiting, and very fine tuned asking for the trot changed it to being calm!
Inside, focused on circling with playing the "game" of disengaging before I need to use my stick. IT was FUN! I'm beginning to understand the "game" aspect. This really change Zaina's attitude. She started paying more attention to me, and it shifted the emphasis from STOP as an order. Really interesting. It took a loooong time for this to be effective, and when it was there was a huge change in her feeling - no resistance, we became partners. Can't wait to follow up on this.
Almost had an accident, when I went out of the arena with Z on 45 foot line, she got worried and went around the fence barrier to come out too, ending up dragging the line around the jump pylon. This scared her and she became emotional BUT what could have been a disaster at the door didn't. As she got turned around with the line at the same moment she saw me she went left brain. Disengagement! Plus more emotional strength on both our parts. I swear she was a bit chagrined at herself when I said, "What's up?" Lots of praise for staying calm! This stuff is indeed fantastic.
February 19, 2013
"A"'s session today, after having missed last week.
First we played the catching game, trying not to care and being provocative. Took about 20 minutes, but limited our frustration, and Z did catch us. It got us playing at liberty - sideways, backing (excellent!) and circling.
Then I backed Z out of paddock, with "A" reminding me to do the unexpected and not back her when she thought I would. This definitely helped Z to relax! After backing, "A" moved her sideways along fence. Then we practiced being provocative, with "A" asking Z to back up when her attention was wondering. Didn't take much for Z to start being responsive and calm. To the barn through snowdrift, then sideways along all. I brought her inside.
Inside, "A" playing stick to me at the trot, working at being in harmony with Z - difficult because of Z's speed and energy, but it is developing. Backing between very widely spaced poles, with retreat. Third time, Z put one ear back and one foreward, and excellent change!
Play with treat ball on mounting block, with Z developing confidence touching the ball to get to the carrots.
Confidence building with the umbrella in Z3, and leading at the trot.
After all this, 45' line with me asking for circling game with provocative disengagements. Only 2 times and after this Z disengaged herself when she got to running!!!!! Let her sit, and it was at least 5 minutes of HUGE releases.
February 22, 2013
Horses in today because of the wind, but its not that cold so spent a long time outside for fresh air and movement. Grooming, then going for a long trek through the property. Through snow, branches, into the field for grass. FUN! Practiced HQ yields.
After last session's breakthrough, Zaina is disengaging with snap on the squeeze game turn back! Also getting better at the HQ yield PP game, but still bit sloppy.
Super backing today, very soft. Further distance through the chute, and narrower space.
Played at going over the poles at walk and trot. Much improvement, softer. I need to ask, but very very quietly. With confidence she started putting her ears forward. I've been shouting at her in the past on this task, so it seems. What a difficult balance - asking enough but not too much; when does she lack confidence, when is it a responsiveness issue.
Perhaps have figured out a reason for difficulty with catching game - it's been less fun for her afterwards. Catching without much reward, just to go and do my stuff. Today gave lots of carrot treats for her coming to me on various occasions.
February 26, 2013
"A"'s day and we spent it outside. Going for new grass while having a deshedding session, then "A" handling Zaina during online hack. Stick to me at the trot in the field. Challenge returning because of gelding out and about on the next property and Z was in high spirits. I did falling leaf pattern to help settle her but a phase 4 "stop" was necessary, then she licked and chewed.
Friendly game confidence building with umbrella (that Zaina started touching with her lips and biting!!!!!), rattle, and treat ball. Looking for confidence in squeeze game through chute of ground poles. Circling game walk, trot and canter at Zaina's request. "A" handling rope and stick very well.
As I was leading Z out of ring I asked her to move toward me and the opening gate, which she did with much confidence! HUGE improvement from where we left this in the fall.
Wow - what a weather month. Only six visits, only one ride. Oh well, at least there were those 7! Catching game went sour but at end of month think the problem is that I've become too direct line, and there's been less "play" in it for her, so made a change to that in last couple of visits.
Barb's beautiful Ben died this month as a result of a strangulated bowel caused by a fatty growth.
Zaina's confidence building on backing and squeeze games.
February 1, 2013
Started this month of with a ride! First time since Zaina's trip and subsequent muscle soreness in mid-November. Went VERY well. I felt in control of my body. Technique from last Mastery dvd was of terrific benefit to help her relax. She offered to trot did so instead of running. I think the new girth is responsible for a lot of the relaxation. Trotting the circle she was really stretching her inside shoulder. I think even her neck was relaxed!
That was the last part of the session. Started with a long and seemingly fruitless catching game inside. Just going in circles with her ending up at the ground pole. However, shows it is the sweet spot, and she did happily walk over it a number of times. Finally, after having a sit and a think, I changed the game. Sent her sideways then onto a circle. Close range walk circle at liberty! One circle, disengaged, then asked again and she did 2 circles. When I disengaged her she caught me!
Online, when asked her to walk over the pole (still on the ground but with a cavaletti block at each end) she did the same hesitation. Sooooo, walks over freely at liberty but not online. I kept steady pressure on the line to let her know what I wanted and she came over, a little worried because of the cavaletti blocks. Repeated a few times, including at the trot, at which point she did mini jumps. Interesting.
Then on 45' line, asked her to move out and trot and canter. She did this willingly and happily! At one point she started to get emotional at the canter but then was able to relax herself. When she stopped cantering I told her she was good, and she looked totally surprised. I'm thinking I've been making her do things, instead of asking.
Short bit of weave play. At the trot when I indicated I wanted her to slow down to turn away from me she stopped right at the cavaletti block! Wow, that is some sensitivity. I gave her lots of praise for being so responsive.
What a terrific start to the month!
February 5, 2013
"A"'s play session. Zaina NOT wanting to catch us outside. She was very intent on eating her hay outside, and did much evading and showing an unwillingness to be caught even when she did stand still. Might be she'd only recently been turned out, and had probably been inside most of the past two days due to the weather. After 20 minutes of playing the catching game, and 10 minutes of us doing energy simulations (April 2009, issue 41 dvd) we just stood by Z as she ate. She slowly let us get closer and rub her. I could then put the rope around her neck, and took it off and let her keep eating. Did this a few times. Slowly she'd let me do this and stay relaxed. When she finished her hay, and didn't react negatively to being approached and touched we put the halter on her. She wasn't resistant to haltering.
Backed part of the way to the arena, which she did quite easily. Phase 2. Still needing lots of breaks and chances to look behind her, but much more trusting.
Inside, played with the treat ball on the mounting block. Z was able to gently push it with the side of her muzzle as she ate carrots near it, and its rolling away didn't frighten her. Great progress!
"A" played friendly games with the kidz stick and plastic bag. Z worried about it but not emotional until Z asked her to trot and rubbed the bag on the wall, but even then once "A" asked her to go sideways she settled. We'll work on this FG more to help Z reach Level 3 confidence.
Circling game, adding trot. Z stopping a lot behind Z and disengaging as coming around shoulder, but this because of "A" figuring out her rope and stick handling technique. Z being very cooperative otherwise and "A" doing an excellent job - oh especially because she was using the adult CS!
Sideways along the wall with "A" keeping her feet still. Got a few steps!!!!!
Then "A" challenged to find an interesting way to move Z to the mounting block. She selected backing in a zig-zag pattern. She did a great job of figuring out what to do, and when to do it. Z fairly confident. As got nearer the block and Z got more worried and was evading, it turned into backing on a circle! "A" able to cause a half rotation.
More fun with the treat ball. Then a bit of FG with the umbrella, stopping when Z didn't turn to face the umbrella as "A" danced around with it approaching Z5.
Whew, what a successful day!
February 7, 2013
Horrid news, that Barb's Ben has died from colic. I had the great pleasure and honour of practising early Parelli skills with him in 2010. I was a failure at engaging this extreme LBE, but he sure taught me a lot about what I had to learn. Barb had to dig deep to learn the patience and strategies for helping him in humansville and was sooo successful. He taught us all a lot, especially about how to be better humans. Rest in peace, Ben, you will never be forgotten.
February 15, 2013
Halfway through the month and this was only my 3rd visit with Zaina. Bad weather and work has interfered! It has been 2 weeks since I saw her last, so was worried that there would be lots to make up for. I was wrong, she had not regressed and either had I.
Catching game though is now still much harder. Keep having to resort to turning it into a liberty play session asking her to move sideways, back, and circle before she will catch me. Maybe this is okay? Will check with Genevieve.
Lots of backing: up the little incline from her field, into the barn, frontward into stall then back out, and back into stall across the aisle. Lightbulb moment - set up stall to be narrower to simulate trailer!
Played on 45' line for entire session. Outdoors at first because arena door frozen shut. HQ yields, almost there.
MUCH better going over pole. Excellent walk, less sticky. Asked to trot over, first one was emotional, but turning and waiting, and very fine tuned asking for the trot changed it to being calm!
Inside, focused on circling with playing the "game" of disengaging before I need to use my stick. IT was FUN! I'm beginning to understand the "game" aspect. This really change Zaina's attitude. She started paying more attention to me, and it shifted the emphasis from STOP as an order. Really interesting. It took a loooong time for this to be effective, and when it was there was a huge change in her feeling - no resistance, we became partners. Can't wait to follow up on this.
Almost had an accident, when I went out of the arena with Z on 45 foot line, she got worried and went around the fence barrier to come out too, ending up dragging the line around the jump pylon. This scared her and she became emotional BUT what could have been a disaster at the door didn't. As she got turned around with the line at the same moment she saw me she went left brain. Disengagement! Plus more emotional strength on both our parts. I swear she was a bit chagrined at herself when I said, "What's up?" Lots of praise for staying calm! This stuff is indeed fantastic.
February 19, 2013
"A"'s session today, after having missed last week.
First we played the catching game, trying not to care and being provocative. Took about 20 minutes, but limited our frustration, and Z did catch us. It got us playing at liberty - sideways, backing (excellent!) and circling.
Then I backed Z out of paddock, with "A" reminding me to do the unexpected and not back her when she thought I would. This definitely helped Z to relax! After backing, "A" moved her sideways along fence. Then we practiced being provocative, with "A" asking Z to back up when her attention was wondering. Didn't take much for Z to start being responsive and calm. To the barn through snowdrift, then sideways along all. I brought her inside.
Inside, "A" playing stick to me at the trot, working at being in harmony with Z - difficult because of Z's speed and energy, but it is developing. Backing between very widely spaced poles, with retreat. Third time, Z put one ear back and one foreward, and excellent change!
Play with treat ball on mounting block, with Z developing confidence touching the ball to get to the carrots.
Confidence building with the umbrella in Z3, and leading at the trot.
After all this, 45' line with me asking for circling game with provocative disengagements. Only 2 times and after this Z disengaged herself when she got to running!!!!! Let her sit, and it was at least 5 minutes of HUGE releases.
February 22, 2013
Horses in today because of the wind, but its not that cold so spent a long time outside for fresh air and movement. Grooming, then going for a long trek through the property. Through snow, branches, into the field for grass. FUN! Practiced HQ yields.
After last session's breakthrough, Zaina is disengaging with snap on the squeeze game turn back! Also getting better at the HQ yield PP game, but still bit sloppy.
Super backing today, very soft. Further distance through the chute, and narrower space.
Played at going over the poles at walk and trot. Much improvement, softer. I need to ask, but very very quietly. With confidence she started putting her ears forward. I've been shouting at her in the past on this task, so it seems. What a difficult balance - asking enough but not too much; when does she lack confidence, when is it a responsiveness issue.
Perhaps have figured out a reason for difficulty with catching game - it's been less fun for her afterwards. Catching without much reward, just to go and do my stuff. Today gave lots of carrot treats for her coming to me on various occasions.
February 26, 2013
"A"'s day and we spent it outside. Going for new grass while having a deshedding session, then "A" handling Zaina during online hack. Stick to me at the trot in the field. Challenge returning because of gelding out and about on the next property and Z was in high spirits. I did falling leaf pattern to help settle her but a phase 4 "stop" was necessary, then she licked and chewed.
Friendly game confidence building with umbrella (that Zaina started touching with her lips and biting!!!!!), rattle, and treat ball. Looking for confidence in squeeze game through chute of ground poles. Circling game walk, trot and canter at Zaina's request. "A" handling rope and stick very well.
As I was leading Z out of ring I asked her to move toward me and the opening gate, which she did with much confidence! HUGE improvement from where we left this in the fall.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)